By Michelle Wells | KKTV
PUEBLO, Colo. (KKTV) – The Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment (PDPHE) monitors the use of drugs, like fentanyl, by testing wastewater. According to their wastewater dashboard, last month fentanyl use in Pueblo increased for the first time this year.
In a statement from PDPHE they say, “In March, wastewater data showed 10.82mg per 1,000 people, per day. Comparatively, that number was around 5mg per 1,000 people, per day in January and February. Overall, this number is much lower compared to March 2024, when wastewater data showed 20.95mg per 1,000 people, per day.”
This means fentanyl use last month was about half of what it was in March 2024.
PDPHE also says, “Higher levels of fentanyl are cause for concern because the amount of fentanyl capable of causing a fatal overdose is just 2mg. The public can protect themselves by assuming any street pill contains fentanyl. Do not accept pills from anyone.”