Tragic faces of babies killed by fentanyl in US this year amid opioid crisis
The fentanyl crisis in the US is escalating, and it's not just adults who are victims. In 2023 alone, at least three babies have tragically lost their lives due to the deadly drug.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that synthetic opioids, primarily fentanyl, caused around 70,000 overdose deaths in 2021, a number that continues to rise. Babies are becoming victims as their parents or caregivers, struggling with addiction, carelessly expose them to the drug.
In some cases, infants' food and formula have been contaminated with fentanyl, which is 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine. Here are the stories of three babies who lost their lives to fentanyl in America over the past year.
Elijah, aged nine months
Elijah was just nine months old when he died after his 17 year old mum mixed fentanyl into his baby formula because she wanted a nap, according to police in Nassau County, Florida.
An autopsy showed there was enough fentanyl in his system to kill 10 adults (First Coast News)Little Elijah was found unresponsive and without a pulse at a home in Callahan, Florida. Despite attempts at CPR by sheriff's deputies, he later died in hospital, Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper told reporters on June 26. The baby's mum gave different stories over several weeks, before finally admitting she had poisoned her son's drink.
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An autopsy showed there was enough fentanyl in his system to kill 10 adults, let alone a tiny baby. Just two milligrams of the drug can kill an adult, depending on things like body size and tolerance, said the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). It's not clear exactly how much was found in poor Elijah's system, but it could have been as much as 20 milligrams.
His mum thought she was giving Elijah cocaine, but the drug turned out to be fentanyl, she told the police. She had put formula in his small Mickey Mouse bottle, then mixed in a pill she found in the bathroom. Her name is not being released, probably because she was under 18 when she was arrested. She is being charged with serious manslaughter and having a controlled drug.
1-year-old Nicholas Feliz-Dominici
Tragedy hit a Bronx daycare in New York City in mid-September after several babies didn't wake up from their naps. One later died.
1-year-old Nicholas Feliz-Dominici died at the daycare where fentanyl infected four small children in the Bronx (Gofundme)The tots accidentally came into contact with fentanyl, a deadly drug that the daycare workers are suspected of making and selling from the childcare centre, which was actually a front for a huge drug ring. The police found a kilo press, a tool used to measure large amounts of drugs.
Particles from the lethal drug, stored under a trap door in the floor, poisoned 1 year old Nicholas Feliz-Dominici and three other children, who were rushed to a local hospital. Sadly, little Nicholas didn't survive. It's still unclear how much he ingested.
His devastated dad later said he felt "betrayed" because he had trusted the daycare's owner, 36 year old Grei Mendez. Mendez used to send his wife pictures and updates about Nicholas, he said. Then, less than a week after Nicholas started at the daycare, he tragically passed away.
Nicholas Feliz-Dominici's father said he trusted the daycare and felt 'betrayed' by the owners (Facebook)Mendez was later arrested and charged with murder, criminal possession of a controlled substance, child endangerment and a host of other serious charges just weeks after the tragic incident on September 16.
3-month-old Phoenix
A 3-month-old baby girl also died after her drug-abusing father accidentally mixed fentanyl into her baby formula or somehow got it on her bottle. This happened shortly after the young child was given back into his care following a judge's decision that cited new rules in Santa Clara County, California, relating to racial discrimination.
Social workers had previously criticised lawyers they dubbed as "progressive," stating that while fighting racial discrimination is crucial, child welfare should not be overlooked, especially when race issues overshadow clear signs of an unsafe home for a baby. Police discovered several shattered glass pipes, aluminium foil tins filled with drugs and other drug-related items next to Phoenix's bottle in the kitchen of her dad David Castro's house.
Baby Phoenix, who was just 3 months old, was poisoned accidentally by her father and the drugs strewn about his home (NBC)Phoenix was found unconscious and unresponsive amidst the drug paraphernalia. She later passed away. Castro, 38, was arrested and charged with child neglect and criminal possession of a controlled substance. His case is still ongoing despite the overdose happening in May. Castro had eight other children taken from his care due to concerns over drugs, said County Executive James Williams.
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How does a fentanyl overdose work?
Fentanyl can limit oxygen reaching the bloodstream and cause severe symptoms by overwhelming brain functions, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The symptoms include, according to the American Addiction Centers:
- Constricted pupils
- Slow or shallow breathing
- Cold or clammy skin
- Discolored skin, specifically gray, blue or pale
- Blue or purple lips and nails
- Slipping in or out of consciousness
- Lack of breathing altogether
- Limp arms or legs
- Slurred or lack of speech
- Vomiting
- Choking or gurgling noises
- Becoming unresponsive altogether
When an individual is experiencing an overdose, or even if it's suspected that they are, the American Addiction Centers recommends administering the life-saving drug Naloxone immediately, then staying with the individual to monitor their breathing. Then, they should turn the person on their side so they avoid choking on their own vomit.
Emergency services should be called as soon as possible as well, and the individual should remain with the individual experiencing an overdose until they arrive.
* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story. You can report any errors to [email protected]
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