Dupage County fentanyl deaths rise, while heroin deaths fall, coroner says

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Thursday, February 6, 2020
Dupage County fentanyl deaths rise, while heroin deaths fall, coroner says
New data from the DuPage County Coroner shows that while the number of deaths from heroin alone are falling, the deadly impact of synthetic opioids in communities is rising.

DUPAGE COUNTY, Ill. (WLS) -- New data from the DuPage County Coroner shows that while the number of deaths from heroin alone are falling, the deadly impact of synthetic opioids in communities is rising.

In a report released Thursday, the coroner's office said 13 people died from heroin alone in 2019, which is a decrease from previous years.

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By contrast, 42 people died from a mixture of heroin and fentanyl, and 33 people died from just fentanyl. Both numbers are increases from previous years.

Eight people died from opioid-based prescription medications, the coroner's report said.

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