Overdose deaths have seen a significant rise to start off the year in Cowlitz County. The Daily News reports that the first 10 deaths occurred between January 1st and February 4th, with five of those deaths happening within just a day and a half.

Last year, the county averaged just over 4.3 overdose deaths per month, with a total of 52 deaths in 2024. In 2023, the average was just over 4 overdose deaths per month, with 49 for the year.

As of now, it is too early to determine which specific drugs are contributing to the major increase we are seeing this year.