Wisconsin Reports 16 More Cases of Severe Bleeding from Synthetic Cannabinoids

The cases have ranged in age from 16 to older than 50, and there has been one death in Wisconsin associated with the outbreak. "Synthetic cannabinoids are not safe, and we urge people not to use them," said Karen McKeown, State Health Officer. "This outbreak shows how hazardous they can be to your health."

  • Sep 20, 2018

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services announced Sept. 18 that it has confirmed 16 more cases of severe bleeding in people who used synthetic cannabinoids containing rat poison. Those additional cases brings the total number of people affected in the state's outbreak to 80, with confirmed cases in Dane, Milwaukee, Outagamie, Rock, and now Fond du Lac counties.

The cases have ranged in age from 16 to older than 50, and there has been one death in Wisconsin associated with the outbreak.

"Synthetic cannabinoids are not safe, and we urge people not to use them," said Karen McKeown, State Health Officer. "This outbreak shows how hazardous they can be to your health."

Since March, the agency has been investigating an outbreak of severe bleeding in people who have used synthetic cannabinioids, commonly called "Fake Weed," "K2," or "Spice," among other names. Through the course of the investigation, it was discovered that the synthetic cannabinoid the patients had used contained brodifacoum, a chemical used in rat poison.

DHS said people who have used synthetic cannabinoids and experience unexplained bleeding, such as a nosebleed, bleeding gums, or bruising, should call 911 or go to an emergency department right away. "This product can stay in a person's system for months and bleeding could happen at any time, so anyone who has used synthetic cannabinoids should see a doctor," it warned. "Synthetic cannabinoid products are not legal in Wisconsin and they should not be confused with marijuana (cannabis) or cannabidiol (CBD). Synthetic cannabinoids are typically sprayed onto dried plant material and smoked, but can also be mixed into a liquid and vaped in e-cigarettes or other vaping devices."

Product Showcase

  • Magid® D-ROC® GPD412 21G Ultra-Thin Polyurethane Palm Coated Work Gloves

    Magid’s 21G line is more than just a 21-gauge glove, it’s a revolutionary knitting technology paired with an advanced selection of innovative fibers to create the ultimate in lightweight cut protection. The latest offering in our 21G line provides ANSI A4 cut resistance with unparalleled dexterity and extreme comfort that no other 21-gauge glove on the market can offer! Read More

  • SwabTek® Cannabis Test Kit

    The SwabTek® Cannabis Test Kit is a single-use spot test designed for use in screening for cannabis compounds in any sample type or on any surface. The test is capable of identifying the presumed presence of cannabinoids in very small quantities, with a level of detection as little as 6 μg in mass. Learn more about the SwabTek® Cannabis Test Kit and the rest of SwabTek surface drug testing solutions through the webinar titled "Everything You Want To Know About Surface Testing" Read More

  • Safety Knives

    The Safety Knife Company has developed a quality range of safety knives for all industries. Designed so that fingers cannot get to the blades, these knives will safely cut through cardboard, tape, strapping, shrink or plastic wrap or a variety of other packing materials. Because these knives have no exposed blades and only cut cardboard deep, they will not only protect employees against lacerations but they will also save product. The Metal Detectable versions have revolutionary metal detectable polypropylene knife bodies specifically for the food and pharmaceutical industries. This material can be detected and rejected by typical detection machines and is X-ray visible. Read More

Featured

Most   Popular

Artificial Intelligence