3 New Deaths Recorded Due to Alcohol Poisoning

The Ministry of Health reports that from August 31 to September 5, there have been 46 cases of alcohol poisoning (methanol) registered in Armenia, resulting in 17 fatalities. After receiving medical assistance, 16 patients have been discharged.

Among the cases, 29 were recorded in the Armavir region, with 9 resulting in death; 15 cases were identified in Yerevan, 7 of which were fatal; and 2 cases in Kotayk region, resulting in 1 death. Currently, 13 patients are receiving treatment for alcohol poisoning at various medical centers across the republic.

Symptoms observed in patients include neurological signs such as nausea, altered consciousness, and dizziness, along with a comatose state; 3 patients have developed blindness. All these symptoms are characteristic of methanol poisoning.

Medical professionals assess the condition of only 1 patient as satisfactory, while the others remain in serious and critical condition. In light of the recent cases of alcohol poisoning caused by the consumption of non-industrial alcoholic beverages, the Armenian Ministry of Health urges the public to refrain from using such products, especially those with unknown origins, "homemade" drinks, or unlabelled spirits purchased from stores or pharmacies.

Reminder: Symptoms of acute poisoning from ethyl alcohol include irritation, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, headache, dizziness, disorientation, diplopia, poor concentration, imbalance, drowsiness, ataxia, coma, seizures, respiratory distress, decreased blood pressure, slow heart rate, reduced body temperature, and hypoglycemia. In cases of methyl alcohol poisoning, symptoms may appear within a few hours to 1-2 days, depending on the quantity of toxic substances ingested. Key symptoms include dizziness and headaches, nausea and vomiting, muscle, joint, and abdominal pain, altered consciousness, drowsiness, photophobia, and specific effects on vision, possibly leading to blindness, as well as increased levels of hemoglobin and erythrocytes in the blood, and the detection of proteins and hyaline casts in the urine.

In the presence of the aforementioned symptoms, it is essential to seek immediate medical attention and avoid self-treatment.