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Updated: Sep 15, 2025
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Author Spotlight: An Efficient Methodology to Confidently Differentiate and Characterize Fentanyl Analogs
Published on: November 8, 2024
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Another carfentanil fatal outbreak in Florida?
Chris Delcher1, Eugene Shin1, Arjun Iyer2
1Institute for Pharmaceutical Outcomes & Policy, Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40508, USA.
Drug and Alcohol Dependence
|July 17, 2025
Summary
Carfentanil deaths in Florida are rising again, with recent fatalities involving older individuals and co-occurring fentanyl and methamphetamine use. Enhanced surveillance is crucial for timely public health response to this evolving overdose crisis.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Toxicology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Carfentanil (a potent fentanyl analog) caused a major fatal overdose outbreak in Florida in 2016-2017.
- Recent data indicate a potential resurgence of carfentanil-involved overdose deaths in Florida.
- Understanding current trends is vital for effective public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze recent carfentanil-involved overdose trends in Florida.
- To examine changes in decedent characteristics and geographic patterns.
- To triangulate medical examiner data with other surveillance indicators.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of Florida medical examiner data from 2016, 2017, and 2018-2023.
- Examination of demographic, geographic, and toxicologic factors.
- Triangulation with six additional data sources, including death certificates and forensic lab data.
Main Results:
- A cluster of 24 carfentanil-involved deaths occurred in Nov-Dec 2023.
- Recent decedents were older (42.9 years) and showed increased co-involvement with fentanyl and methamphetamine.
- Geographic epicenter shifted, and timely data suggest rising monthly fatalities in 2024.
Conclusions:
- While a large-scale outbreak may have been averted by Dec 2024, monthly carfentanil deaths are at new highs.
- Active signals in surveillance systems necessitate ongoing monitoring.
- Improved surveillance systems are needed for faster public health response to overdose trends.
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