What was the “Zombie Outbreak” that occurred in 2016?
According to the cited article, 18 people went to hospitals in Brooklyn, New York on July 12, 2016 for “zombie-like” activity. These individuals had altered mental status, lethargy, slow mechanical movements, and groaning. A comprehensive drug analysis showed the presence of AMB-FUBINACA’s metabolite, which is a synthetic cannabinoid. It is reportedly 85 times more potent than Δ9-THC and 50 times more potent than JWH-018.
Adams AJ, Banister SD, Irizarry L, Trecki J, Schwartz M, Gerona R. “Zombie” Outbreak Caused by the Synthetic Cannabinoid AMB-FUBINACA in New York. N Engl J Med. 2017;376(3):235-242. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1610300
Contributed by Sydney Robbins, PharmD Candidate
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