
medRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory), Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown
Published: Nov. 20, 2024
The United States is dealing with the drug overdose crisis that has intensified over past decade and compounded by emergence of new threats particularly xylazine, a veterinary sedative increasingly found in illicit supplies. This study investigates prevalence xylazine El Paso, Texas, U.S.-Mexico border city where its impact remains poorly understood. We employed wastewater analysis to detect examine potential correlation fentanyl use 14-month period (June 2023 July 2024). Our results show was detected samples from three four treatment plants serving city. heterogeneous, highest detection rate 29% observed one sewershed. All on xylazine-positive days also tested positive for norfentanyl, metabolite, demonstrating widespread consumption. Notably, sewersheds higher exhibited significantly loads, suggesting community-level association between two substances use. provides first evidence Texas highlights urgent need enhanced monitoring targeted public health interventions mitigate growing threat communities affected opioid crisis.
Language: Английский