Authorities have confirmed that fentanyl and methamphetamine were found at a residence in rural New Mexico where first responders fell ill while answering a call about suspected overdoses. The incident occurred on Wednesday in Mountainair, a small town east of Albuquerque.
Details of the Incident
Three individuals were found deceased inside the home. A fourth person, who was also inside, and one of the emergency responders who became sick remain hospitalized as of Friday. The responders exhibited symptoms such as nausea and dizziness, which a doctor said closely resembled fentanyl exposure. However, the investigation into the exact cause of the exposure is ongoing.
Dr. Steve McLaughlin, Chief Medical Officer at the University of New Mexico Hospital, stated during a press conference in Albuquerque that authorities are working under the assumption that fentanyl is to blame. He noted that symptoms ranged from mild to slightly more severe. “It’s probably not absorbed through your skin, but it would be absorbed through your eyes, nose, mucous membranes, or if you inhale it,” McLaughlin explained to the Associated Press.
Response and Investigation
More than a dozen first responders were quarantined and decontaminated after arriving at the scene. New Mexico State Police Chief Matt Broom said investigators have not found evidence of drug manufacturing in the house. He also emphasized that there is no ongoing threat to the public, and the substance is not believed to have been airborne.
The call to the home was made by a co-worker of one of the occupants after they failed to appear at work. Authorities responded on Wednesday morning. Of the two people still hospitalized, one was found unresponsive alongside the three deceased individuals.
While methamphetamine is known to be highly toxic upon exposure, fentanyl is less so. However, the responders who became ill had direct contact with the individuals inside the home. The investigation continues to determine how the exposure occurred.
