News & Media
Be Alert: Emerging Public Health Issue
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recently issued the following notification:
The Illinois Department of Public Health and local health departments are investigating a cluster of individuals suffering from vitamin K dependent coagulopathies (bleeding). It appears all 4 cases were exposed to adulterated synthetic cannabinoids. The products were purchased at different states and maybe under different names/brands. It is not known what the products are contaminated with. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Poison Control Center network are involved in the investigation with Illinois Department of Public Health. As of 5 pm on Sunday, March 25th, MDHHS has not been notified of any similar cases in Michigan. Please be alert to unusual cases of coagulopathy and report these to The Michigan Poison Control Center.
Contact 1-800-222-1222 to report potential cases.
While Michigan has still not received any reports of similar cases, we now have the following information: Synthetic cannabis, or K2, is associated with this outbreak, under various names and brands. It has been adulterated with a strong anticoagulant, brodifacoum. Currently dozens are hospitalized in Illinois, and cases have been identified in Indiana and Wisconsin, requiring large doses of Vitamin K to stop the bleeding. Two deaths to date.
Michigan Poison Control is aware and alert for any notifications.