31 July 2023
MINNEAPOLIS An alarming rise in the number of children ages 3 and younger exposed to opioids has been reported by the Minnesota Poison Control System.
There have been 16 cases of exposure already in 2023 reported to the Minnesota Poison Control System hotline, said Dr. Travis Olives, associate medical director for the Minnesota Poison Control system.
The Minnesota Poison Control System also monitors North Dakota and South Dakota, but has yet to pull the data together for youth exposures, Olives said, regarding the number of calls made to the hotline specifically about exposures.
The data the Minnesota Poison Control System was able to collect shows an increase in the amount of reported youth opioid exposures.
Between Jan. 1, 2022 and July 1, 2023, the system was contacted about 66 children exposed to opioids, Olives said.
The Minnesota Poison Control System data for 2022 shows 50 reported cases of youth opioid exposure, and 16 cases for the first six months of 2023.
In 2019 there were 31 reported cases, which rose to 43 reported cases in 2020, rising again to 51 reported cases in 2021, according to Minnesota Poison Control System data shared with The Forum.
All required medical care, symptoms and severity of illness of the children exposed to opioids were reported, according to Olives.
“We only get reports of cases that are called into us,” Olives said, adding that it is unlikely the data adequately reflects the total number of children in the state that are exposed to opioids because not all cases are reported.
Cases might go unreported because parents fear legal action may be taken against them. The Minnesota Poison Control is not directly involved in the legal aspects of any case, Olives said.
“We exist to provide medical advice and guidance to the public and to medical professionals,” he said.
Caregivers throughout the state are concerned about the numbers and are aware that these exposure incidents are likely unintentional, Minnesota Poison Control System officials said in a news release.
Exposure does not refer to a specific route, Olives noted. The Minnesota Poison Control System uses the term to describe an individual’s interaction with a substance, which can be orally, intravenous, smoked and in rare circumstances physical contact with the substance.
Most of the exposure calls received are for orally ingesting pills, Olives said.
“Including (children) just learning to cruise or that put their hands in their mouths, who have presented to Minnesota hospitals due to exposure to opioids,” Olives said.
Regardless of the cause of the poisoning, naloxone and rescue breathing can be lifesaving, life changing and intentional, poison control system officials said, adding most exposures happen in the home.
“It’s essential to thoroughly clean any spaces and places where fentanyl or other opioids may be within reach of an infant or toddler – and not leave drugs or other potentially dangerous items within reach.” Olives said.
Symptoms of opioid exposure can include sleepiness or decreased alertness, unresponsiveness, slow or shallow breathing, vomiting, pallor and small pupils, poison control officials said.
“If you suspect that a child has been exposed to fentanyl or any other opioids and exhibits any of these symptoms, call 911 and seek medical attention immediately,” Olives said.
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