In the period from 31 August to 5 September, 46 cases of alcohol poisoning (methanol) were registered in Armenia, 17 of which resulted in death, 16 patients were discharged after receiving medical care. 29 cases were registered in Armavir region with 9 deaths, 15 in Yerevan with 7 deaths, 2 in Kotayk region with 1 death.

The Ministry of Health reported.

At the moment, 13 patients are receiving treatment for alcohol poisoning in different medical centers of the republic. Neurological symptoms (nausea, losing of consciousness, dizziness), comatose state were observed in 3 patients, blindness appeared in 3 of the patients. All of these symptoms are typical of methanol poisoning.

Doctors assess the condition of only 1 of them as satisfactory, and the rest continue to remain in a severe, extremely serious condition.

In connection with the recent cases of alcohol poisoning in the country, which was caused by the use of non-factory-made alcoholic beverages, the RA Ministry of Health urges to refrain from using similar products of unknown origin, “homemade”, unlabeled in stores, bought at pharmacies.

Reminder:

Symptoms of acute ethyl alcohol poisoning include irritability, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, headache, dizziness, nausea, diplopia, poor concentration, imbalance, drowsiness, ataxia, coma, convulsions, shortness of breath, dyspnea, lowering of body temperature and hypoglycemia.

In the case of methyl alcohol, depending on the amount of toxic substances, the symptoms of poisoning can appear in a few hours up to 1-2 days. The main symptoms are: dizziness and headache, nausea և vomiting, muscle, joint and abdominal pain, dizziness, drowsiness, lightheadedness, specific effect on vision up to blindness, high hemoglobin in the blood, high red blood cell levels.

In case of the above-mentioned symptoms it is necessary to immediately consult a doctor and not to engage in self-medication.