Maine CDC Health Advisory

February 1, 2020

Increase in Suspected Unintentional Overdoses in Cumberland County

On Saturday, February 1st, the Northern New England Poison Control Center notified Maine CDC of ten individuals who potentially overdosed unintentionally over the weekend. All ten individuals received emergency assistance in Cumberland County. Cases were reported from multiple facilities.

Some of these individuals may have thought that they were using cocaine, but the cocaine may have been contaminated with opioids. At least one individual indicated they purchased the cocaine from a new dealer. Several individuals were seriously impaired and required naloxone to recover, some needing multiple doses. The intent of this HAN is to alert Emergency Medical Services, health care facilities and providers, and law enforcement to a potentially contaminated product that is leading to severe adverse outcomes.

Advisory (PDF)