The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has warned of a new, extremely potent form of fentanyl that is contributing to thousands of overdose deaths in the United States. Carfentanil, 10,000 times stronger than morphine and 100 times stronger than fentanyl, was detected in 513 overdose deaths between 2021 and early 2024.
Just 2 milligrams of carfentanil can kill 50 people, making it a highly deadly substance. Despite overall decline in overdose deaths since 2023, the majority are still connected to illegally manufactured fentanyls (IMFs).
The number of carfentanil-related overdose deaths spiked from 29 to 175 by December 2023, a 503% increase. This trend continued into 2024, with 238 people dying from the drug by June – a 720% increase from the first half of 2023.
Regional trends show that IMFs are becoming more prevalent in overdose deaths, particularly in Western states. The portion of overdose deaths linked to IMF rose from 48.5% in 2021 to 66.5% by mid-2024.
Source: https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/5026588-fentanyl-carfentanil-overdose-deaths