BELLINGHAM, Wash. — The first known overdose death in Whatcom County linked to a powerful animal tranquilizer was reported earlier this month.
Whatcom County health officials have been expecting this for the past few years as Xylazine, also known as "Tranq," made its way up the Interstate 5 corridor.
Xylazine is often mixed with fentanyl and other dangerous drugs, like meth.
"Unfortunately, people are gambling with their lives every time they're doing this," said Dr. Allison Hunt, the county's medical examiner.
Police in Lynnwood put out a warning last year when they started seeing the drug make its way up the I-5 corridor.
"Seattle had a couple of deaths. We just knew it was coming," said Hunt.
Tranq first took hold in Philadelphia and has now made its way all the way to Whatcom. What makes it so concerning is that, unlike fentanyl, an overdose cannot be reversed with Narcan. It also causes sores on users' skin that rot flesh - often leading to limbs being amputated.
"Hospitals are seeing very extensive wounds that need surgery," said Hunt. "Sometimes they even require amputation. So, it's a stress not just on the person but on the health care system.
"It's very concerning," added Dr. Greg Thompson, co-health officer for the Whatcom County Health Department. "We know fentanyl has already been causing a crisis in terms of overdose deaths and Xylazine just makes that worse."
Overdose deaths in Whatcom County were up 43% last year. At least 130 died, mostly from fentanyl. Now, the county has one more thing to worry about.
"The transition from heroin to fentanyl was a compete game changer," said Thompson. "I don't think Xylazine is a game changer but it does make things worse."
There is a bit of good news. Health officials say overdose deaths in Whatcom County are trending down this year. There have been 21 so far in 2024 compared to 31 at the same time last year.
"We don't know if that is a blip or a trend," said Dr. Thompson, "but it's encouraging."
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