King County reports sharp rise in fatal overdoses

SEATTLE (AP) — Health officials say fatal overdoses King County, the state’s most populous, have increased sharply in the last two weeks.

Public Health Seattle & King County said Thursday that from Dec. 27 to Jan. 9, the King County Medical Examiner’s Office identified 42 suspected or confirmed overdoses, which is the highest number of overdoses recorded in a two-week period in King County.

Preliminary test results suggest that methamphetamine was involved in 17 of the recent drug overdose deaths and 7 deaths involved fentanyl, which has been typical in recent years, officials said.

“It is more important than ever to check on those who you think may be struggling, either with stress, anxiety, depression, other behavioral health issues or increase in drug misuse,” said Brad Finegood, Strategic Advisor for Behavioral Health, Public Health – Seattle & King County. “There are many different options available for people who may be considering a path to treatment.”