The number of overdose deaths linked to the opioid fentanyl in Washington State have risen in the past year, according to the State Department of Health in a press release.

In the first half of 2018, according to preliminary data, there were 81 deaths linked to fentanyl, versus 48 recorded during the same period last year in Washington State. This represents a 70 percent increase in deaths. Grays Harbor County had 15 fatal opioid overdoses in 2017, and two deaths due to fentanyl. There was just one fentanyl overdose in 2018, but not all the data has been reported yet, according to the department.

Illegal fentanyl has been found in a variety of counterfeit pills made to look like prescription opioids, the release says. It can also be found in white and colored powders, and “could potentially be present in any illicit drug,” the release adds.

Fentanyl is 30-50 times stronger than pure heroin, according to the department, and a dose the size of a few grains of salt can be fatal to an average-sized person.

“While fentanyl has been a significant cause of overdose death elsewhere in the United States, our state is now seeing the rise of its deadly impact,” said Dr. Kathy Lofy, state health officer and co-chair of the state’s Opioid Response Work Group. “We need people who take illicit drugs to seek treatment and take other actions to reduce their risk of an overdose.”

Public health officials urge people who use opioids to take these actions to help protect themselves from overdose:

– Seek treatment from the Recovery Helpline. Information from a confidential phone call can be provided at 1-866-789-1511.

– Carry naloxone. Locations that provide naloxone in Washington are at Stopoverdose.org.

– If you witness an overdose, call 911, give naloxone and do rescue breathing. State law says neither the victim nor persons assisting with an overdose will be prosecuted for drug possession.

– Never use drugs alone.

– Be careful about using too fast, as fentanyl is fast-acting and deadly.