OSHKOSH, Wis. (WBAY) - A new report by the Winnebago County Overdose Fatality Review Team says there was a 49% drop in overdose deaths in 2024 compared to 2023.

There were 47 fatal overdoses in 2023 and 24 last year.

Fentanyl was the primary cause of death for 11 of the 24 victims. The drug, developed as an anesthetic, is often combined with other illegal drugs to create a “higher high.”

Twenty-two of the 24 victims had a history of using marijuana and other illicit drugs, alcoholism, or prescription drug abuse.

Fifteen victims had been diagnosed with mental health issues, such as anxiety, bipolar disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder.

The review team is also seeing older victims overdoses. Most of the victims were between 35 and 64 years old.

The review team says gaps in me

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