Death from Super Toxic Drug Prompts Public Health Warning

RIVERSIDE (CNS) - Confirmation that a man died after consuming the
super toxic drug carfentanil prompted Riverside County health officials today
to remind residents to take precautions before consuming any kind of opioid.
  

``Every life lost from opioids is one too many,'' Public Health
Officer Jennifer Chevinsky said. ``Together, we can continue to raise awareness
about the risks associated with drug use and work as a community to support
safety, reduce harm and care for one another.''
  

The victim, identified only as a resident in his 40s, died from the
drug overdose in March, but extended delays conducting toxicology tests
prevented completion of the autopsy until recently, when pathologists verified
that carfentanil was the cause, according to the Riverside University Health
System.
  

``Carfentanil was developed for use as a tranquilizer in large
animals, such as elephants, and due to its potency, even a minuscule amount can
cause a fatal overdose,'' according to an agency statement.
  

In 2023, the District Attorney's Office successfully prosecuted a
Perris man for possession with intent to sell more than 20 kilograms of
carfentanil.
  

``Carfentanil is 100 times more powerful than fentanyl and 10,000
times more potent than morphine,'' the D.A.'s office said at the time. ``A
lethal dose of carfentanil in humans would be at the nanogram level -- much
smaller than the two milligrams of fentanyl that can kill. If mixed in with
other drugs, the 21 kilos of carfentanil (possessed by the defendant) could
have been enough to potentially kill more than 50 million people.''
  

Compared to fentanyl, carfentanil fatalities are rare throughout the
United States. However, the numbers have been creeping up, according to the
U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. In 2023, there were 29 deaths,
compared to 238 in 2024, officials said.
  

``While overall, we are seeing a decrease in opioid overdose deaths in
Riverside County, this is a reminder that there are things each of us can
do to prevent these terrible outcomes,'' Chevinsky said.
  

Naloxone and Narcan can be effective in combating overdoses.
  

The U.S. National Overdose Response service can be reached at 800-484-
3731, while anyone seeking help with substance abuse and addiction was
encouraged to call 800-662-4357 for local options.
  

Additional information is available at www.ruhealth.org/ruhs-public-health.