The New Mexico Department of Health said in a report that three people have died and one became permanently blind after consuming hand sanitizer.
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According to CNN, the New Mexico Poison Control said seven people in total have consumed hand sanitizer throughout the month of May but details about the victims’ identities and their locations were not revealed. Three people have died after drinking alcohol-based hand sanitizer and one person became permanently blind due to methanol poisoning. Symptoms of methanol poisoning are nausea, vomiting, headache, blurred vision, permanent blindness, seizures, damage to the nervous system, and death. Currently, three other people remain hospitalized for drinking the product.
The FDA also issued a warning earlier this week for consumers not to use hand sanitizer produced by Eskbiochem SA due to its ingredients containing the toxic chemical.
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Health Secretary Kathy Kunkel said in a statement warning the public to seek medical care if they have consumed hand sanitizer containing methanol.
“If you think you may have used or consumed hand sanitizer containing methanol, please seek medical care. An antidote to methanol poisoning is available, but the earlier someone gets treated for methanol poisoning the better the chance of recovery.”