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Alcohol poisoning kills 49 in Kenya
(Agencies)
Updated: 2005-06-27 11:56 A black market alcoholic brew laced with
poisonous methanol has caused the deaths of 49 people in Kenya, medical workers
said Sunday, while police searched for a woman suspected of distributing the
drink to local bars.
More than 174 people were hospitalized after drinking the brew containing
methanol, a toxic wood alcohol added to the drink — called chang'aa — to give it
more kick.
"Two people have gone completely blind, and another eight have reduced vision
of varying degree," said Simon Mueke, medical superintendent at the Machakos
General Hospital.
Kenyans consume a locally brewed drink in the
Kawangware area, on the outskirts of Nairobi, Kenya, June 26, 2005.
[Reuters] | Patients overwhelmed the small hospital in Machakos district, about 35 miles
southeast of Nairobi. TV footage from Saturday showed nurses in a crowded
hospital ward working frantically to resuscitate poisoned patients. Other
patients were shown being intravenously rehydrated, and some drunk patients were
pictured struggling to stay on their feet.
"We are appealing for blankets and bed sheets for the patients," Mueke said.
"The weather is very cold, and this is an extraordinary emergency that has
stretched our capacity beyond its limits."
Police brought 15 bodies to the hospital Saturday, and another 34 people died
while receiving emergency treatment Sunday, Mueke said.
Police have arrested several suspects but were still searching for a woman
suspected of distributing the illegal brew to several illegal
bars.
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