Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Times News
Published on 2024-04-08 08:26:49
Seven individuals have tragically lost their lives, while five others have been hospitalized after consuming suspected poisoned alcohol in Manase Township, located in Blantyre. The Blantyre District Health Office initially reported that five people had passed away, with additional individuals admitted to the Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital on Saturday. The following day, Gift Kawalazira, the Director of Health and Social Services in Blantyre, revealed that the death toll had increased by two.
According to Kawalazira, there are currently five individuals still receiving medical care at the Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital. Two of them are in the Intensive Care Unit, while the others are in stable condition. These victims exhibited symptoms such as shortness of breath, stomach pains, diarrhea, blurred vision, vomiting, body aches, and severe dehydration upon arrival at the hospital.
A statement issued by Kawalazira stated that medical examinations conducted on one of the deceased bodies suggested acute poisoning as the cause of death, pending confirmation through laboratory testing. Health officials and law enforcement are actively investigating the situation on the ground. The Health Office advises the public not to panic but to seek medical attention if they experience any of the mentioned symptoms. Additionally, individuals are cautioned against consuming alcohol brands that are unknown or uncertified.
Initial reports indicated that the deceased individuals began experiencing symptoms at home before being rushed to the hospital. Some individuals have been known to consume affordable spirits like ‘Ambuye Nditengeni’ and ‘Magagada’, contributing to their addiction.
Meanwhile, the Malawi Bureau of Standards clarified that they primarily oversee the formal sector, leaving the regulation of local alcohol production to be under the jurisdiction of local councils. Officer Joseph Sauka of the South West Division Police mentioned that they are actively investigating the case, suspecting that the alcohol may have been tampered with.
Sauka emphasized that they are confiscating potentially hazardous alcohol brands such as Ambuye Tengeni, Magalagada, and Mtaya Njinga. Additionally, they are taking legal action against individuals selling alcohol without the required licenses.
The community is grappling with the devastating effects of tainted alcohol consumption, leading to multiple fatalities and hospitalizations. Authorities are working diligently to identify the source of the poison and prevent further harm to the population. It is imperative for individuals to remain cautious and report any suspicious symptoms or activities related to alcohol consumption to mitigate the risks associated with this tragic incident.
Read the original article on The Times
