Health Officials: 9 Suspected Fentanyl Overdose Deaths In Sacramento Area

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SACRAMENTO (CBS13) - Authorities have released new numbers on the series of overdoses related to fentanyl-laced illicit pills.

According to the numbers released on Friday, a total of 36 overdoses suspected of being related to the opioid have been reported to the Sacramento County Department of Health and Human Services.

A total of nine deaths have been reported in the area: eight in Sacramento County and one in Yolo County.

The new numbers also give a little more detail about the overdose victims. Health officials say the victims range in age from 18-59 and a evenly split between men and women.

The Drug Enforcement Administration is investigating the recent outbreak of overdoses. In each case, officials note, the painkiller is disguised as the prescription drug hydrocodone.