BINGHAMTON, N.Y. (AP) — The district attorney in Binghamton has issued a public health alert about illegal drugs after a steep spike in overdose deaths.

The Press and Sun-Bulletin of Binghamton (http://press.sn/2bHPFsu ) reports that the Broome County district attorney's office issued the alert Wednesday. The Southern Tier county has logged 58 overdose deaths since January.

District Attorney Stephen Cornwell says there has been a steep spike in overdose deaths over the last week. There were 14 local overdose deaths in August.

Officials say nearly all the county's overdose deaths this year were traced to heroin or other illegal opioids.

Cornwell said he has written to Gov. Andrew Cuomo about the public health alert and has discussed the issue with local police officials.

[STORY BY: THE ASSOCIATED PRESS]

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