Travis County Fentanyl Deaths Drop 35%, But 7-OH Kratom Use Is Rising

Opioid-related deaths in Travis County fell by 35 percent, according to a new city memo released on October 30. The drop follows a period of high fentanyl poisoning rates, signaling a measurable shift in local mortality trends.

City officials attribute the reduction to expanded distribution of naloxone and increased funding for community harm reduction programs. Austin-Travis County EMS data supports these figures, showing a clear downward trend in fentanyl-specific fatalities over the recent reporting period.

Despite the progress, Dr. Desmar Walkes of the Austin-Travis County Health Authority warned that unknown opioids are causing a rise in both non-fatal and fatal incidents. The primary concern is a potent compound found in kratom products, a substance derived from a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia.

Kratom is legal to purchase in Texas and is sold at gas stations, convenience stores, and online retailers. It is often marketed as a natural remedy for pain or anxiety. However, manufacturers can process the plant's natural chemical, mitragynine, into a more potent substance called 7-OH. This conversion turns the product into a semi-synthetic opioid.

Dr. Walkes noted that concentrated 7-OH products can lead to dependence and severe health complications. Lab studies indicate that 7-OH can be substantially more potent than morphine in certain conditions. Because it acts like an opioid, overdoses may require higher doses of naloxone to reverse, complicating emergency response efforts.

Regulatory actions are underway at both state and federal levels. Texas law limits 7-OH levels in kratom to 2 percent and prohibits sales to minors. The Drug Enforcement Administration has announced emergency scheduling measures aimed at concentration thresholds to define how much of the compound can be available over the counter.

The issue has national attention following the deaths of two University of Mississippi students last month. Police discovered packaged kratom from a retail store during the investigation. Austin Public Health advises residents to read labels carefully, store products away from children, and avoid combining kratom with alcohol or other drugs.