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BRIEF: Illinois' overdose crisis getting worse, mirroring nationwide trend, CDC says

Chicago Tribune - 8/16/2018

Aug. 16--Illinois' drug overdose deaths rose by nearly 10 percent over a 12-month period, according to data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, mirroring a nationwide jump that reflects the ever-greater toll of the opioid crisis.

Over the 12-month period ending in January, Illinois saw 2,760 reported deaths, CDC data show. That was an increase of 236 over the prior year, and likely will rise as more autopsy results are finalized.

The nationwide increase over the same time period was 6.3 percent, the CDC said. Nebraska saw the greatest jump, at 33 percent, but its overall death rate remained well below the national average.

Meanwhile, some states saw substantial decreases. Sparsely populated Wyoming led the way with a 33 percent drop, while Massachusetts, which has one of the highest overdose death rates in the country, saw a 3 percent decline.

The CDC's figures include not just opioids, but also drugs like cocaine and methamphetamine, the agency said.

Check back for more details.

jkeilman@chicagotribune.com

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