Drug overdose deaths among persons aged 10-19 years - United States, July 2019-December 2021

CDC MMWR analysis of US adolescent overdose deaths 2019-2021. Monthly overdose deaths in 10-19 yr olds tripled (vs ~1.4-1.5x increase in adults), driven overwhelmingly by illicit fentanyl in counterfeit pills (84% of deaths). Most deaths were in adolescents with no known history of opioid use disorder - "first-use, last-use" pattern of counterfeit-pill fentanyl. Reframed pediatric SUD prevention: harm- reduction now essential, not optional. Naloxone access for teens cited as urgent.