Which overdose must be reported to authorities?

Reporting a heroin overdose to authorities is crucial due to the legal implications and public health concerns associated with illicit drug use. Heroin is a controlled substance, and its misuse leads to significant health risks not only for the individual but also poses broader societal challenges, including increased rates of addiction, crime, and the need for emergency services.

When someone experiences a heroin overdose, immediate medical intervention is often required, and authorities may need to be notified to prevent further risk to the community. Reporting such events can help track usage trends, inform harm reduction strategies, and guide public health responses.

In contrast, the other options—aspirin overdose, pneumococcal pneumonia, and viral pneumonia—generally do not carry the same legal and societal implications warranting mandatory reporting. These conditions are more often treated in a healthcare setting without the requirement to inform authorities, although aspirin overdoses may trigger certain protocols depending on the context.