Modesto sees 4 drug overdose deaths within 12 hours on Friday. What was the cause?

Local groups concerned with the opioid epidemic advised people Friday about a sudden increase in overdose deaths in Stanislaus County.

The Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office said at least four fatal overdoses or poisonings occurred Friday in Modesto. Members of the county’s Opioid Safety Coalition said they were informed four deaths occurred in a 12-hour period. Each of the deaths occurred in a separate zip code.

“Please don’t do drugs and keep Narcan available,” the DA’s office said on Facebook.

Members of the Opioid Safety Coalition were asked to spread the alert on social media and through contacts in the community. County residents were advised to carry naloxone, also known as Narcan, as an effective way to reverse drug overdoses.

The coalition was also supplying Narcan and fentanyl and xylazine test strips to its members, which include representatives from drug treatment providers, local government agencies, hospitals, health clinics and nonprofit groups.

Coalition members suggested that residents check in with friends and family with a history of substance use. People were advised to call 911 immediately if they suspect an overdose.

The sudden spike in deaths Friday raised speculation about a dangerous batch of fentanyl-laced drugs being sold. It was too early to confirm if the deaths were caused by fentanyl but the drug was suspected because only a tiny amount can be lethal.

Last year, 138 of the 213 overdose deaths were caused by fentanyl in Stanislaus County. The synthetic opioid is sold illegally in pill form and often is mixed with methamphetamine, cocaine or heroin.

“Stay vigilant and help spread awareness about the dangers of fentanyl,” the district attorney post said.

People struggling with addiction can seek treatment by calling 888-376-6246.