Death toll from counterfeit alcohol consumption in Iran: 39 in Khuzestan, 12 in Mazandaran

The acting head of Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences in Ahvaz announced in his latest report on the death toll from alcohol poisoning that this figure has reached 39 people in Khuzestan Province. In Mazandaran, it was also announced that 12 people have died.

Dr. Farhad Aboul Nezhadian said on Wednesday, March 11, that following alcohol consumption in Khuzestan Province, 502 people have so far visited hospitals in this city, of which 39 have lost their lives. According to him, among the deceased, 37 were from Ahvaz and 2 others were from Ramhormoz city.

Poisoning from counterfeit alcohol in Ahvaz intensified in recent days after rumors spread that drinking alcohol could prevent coronavirus infection.

Deaths in Mazandaran

On the other hand, the head of the Legal Medicine Organization of Mazandaran also announced on Wednesday, March 11, that 12 people have died as a result of consuming alcoholic beverages in this province.

Poisoning from consuming counterfeit or industrial alcohol in Alborz Province also claimed 7 victims.

In Tehran, the head of the poisoning ward at Laqman Hospital had also said in recent days that cases of methanol alcohol poisoning have increased and the number of hospital visits for this reason has risen.

Since the official announcement of the coronavirus outbreak in Iran, people have accused the authorities of the Islamic Republic of covering up the matter and providing false information.

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Friday, February 28, at a hearing in the House Foreign Affairs Committee, that given the history of cover-ups by Islamic Republic officials, the Iranian regime is unwilling to inform about the coronavirus outbreak and “I am concerned that they may have concealed important information.” Mike Pompeo had also warned a week earlier that America is concerned about the cover-up by Islamic Republic officials regarding the coronavirus outbreak.

The United States announced on Thursday that it has issued exceptions from Iran sanctions and allows the Central Bank of Iran to conduct financial transfers for some humanitarian services.

Source: Voice of America