The death toll from suspected alcohol poisoning linked to illicit brews in Choma District has risen to 29, according to district authorities.
Funds Mubele confirmed that the district has recorded 56 cases since the outbreak began last week, with eight patients currently admitted to Choma General Hospital for treatment.
Mubele said investigations have established that the illicit alcoholic beverages, commonly known as Gwala, Kachasu and Chijabbo, contain methanol, a highly toxic chemical that poses a serious threat to human life.
He disclosed that the District Administration, law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders have intensified surveillance, investigations and community sensitisation programmes aimed at identifying and shutting down illegal brewing and distribution points.
The District Commissioner has also urged members of the public to avoid consuming illicit alcohol and to report suspected illegal brewing activities to the relevant authorities in order to prevent further loss of life.
This definitely is a national disaster. But the deaths are being ignored because they are from a rural area. Reporters, can government be forced to issue a statement please?
Deaths from filthy illicit brews ,frequent cholera outbreaks and ever present road accidents = Zambia’s trifecta of carelessness.Sad reality of Zambia.