Iranian media reports that at least 44 people have died from alcohol poisoning — with hundreds hospitalized — after consuming bootleg alcohol in an effort to treat coronavirus.
The Middle Eastern country, which has been especially hit hard by coronavirus — with 8,042 confirmed cases and at least 291 deaths as of Tuesday — has struggled to prevent the spread of the virus.
The majority of deaths attributed to coronavirus in the Middle East are based in Iran.
A false rumor has circulated throughout the country that drinking alcohol can cure or prevent coronavirus. Drinking alcohol is prohibited in the country.
Some citizens, according to Iran Health Ministry official Ali Ehsanpour, drank alcohol that substituted toxic methanol for ethanol, using bleach to mask the color. Seven bootleggers have been arrested so far.
In one part of the country, Khuzestan, more people have died from alcohol poisoning than from the coronavirus in that area, per state news agency IRNA. Over 30 people have died from poisoning, while only 18 have died from the virus.
The rumor has also circulated throughout Indian social media, reports NDTV and the Times of India, which the WHO has debunked. One iteration of the rumor suggests that spraying alcohol or chlorine can prevent coronavirus from entering the body.
Coronavirus myths, debunked: A cattle vaccine, bioweapons and a $3,000 test
Contributing: The Associated Press. Follow Joshua Bote on Twitter: @joshua_bote
https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMiemh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LnVzYXRvZGF5LmNvbS9zdG9yeS9uZXdzL3dvcmxkLzIwMjAvMDMvMTAvNDQtZGVhZC1pcmFuLWRyaW5raW5nLXRveGljLWFsY29ob2wtZmFrZS1jb3JvbmF2aXJ1cy1jdXJlLzUwMDk3NjEwMDIv0gEnaHR0cHM6Ly9hbXAudXNhdG9kYXkuY29tL2FtcC81MDA5NzYxMDAy?oc=5
2020-03-10 15:55:25Z
52780654475113
Bagikan Berita Ini
0 Response to "At least 44 dead from drinking toxic alcohol in Iran after fake coronavirus cure rumor - USA TODAY"
Post a Comment