Three people have died, three others are in critical condition and one person is permanently blind after apparently drinking hand sanitizer that contained methanol, New Mexico health officials said Friday.
The state Department of Health said the cases were reported to the New Mexico Poison Control Center, with the first coming in on May 7. The other cases occurred since May 29.
The health department confirmed that the cases were related to alcoholism.
Officials did not disclose any additional details about the victims, where the incidents took place or if they were related in some fashion.
‘All seven people are believed to have drunk hand sanitizer containing methanol,’ the statement read.
Authorities have noted that people with substance abuse issues, particularly within the homeless community, have been known to use sanitizer and other products as a substitute for alcohol and liquor.
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