20 people die after drinking rubbing alcohol ‘to combat coronavirus’

Twenty people have lost their lives and another 34 people have been placed in intensive care units in Istanbul after drinking isopropyl alcohol (AKA rubbing alcohol) in an attempt to “protect themselves against coronavirus.”

Duvar English

A group of Turkmen nationals have ingested isopropyl alcohol (AKA rubbing alcohol) in an attempt to “protect themselves against coronavirus,” Turkish media outlets reported on March 19. Twenty of the Turkmens have lost their lives due to intoxication.

Isopropyl alcohol can be toxic when inhaled or swallowed. When ingested, its initial effects are similar to hard liquor, although the side effects will happen much faster. It is metabolized very quickly, so the effects will impact the central nervous system all at once.

Apart from the 20 people who lost their lives, 60 others were dispatched to hospitals in Istanbul for swallowing the toxic liquid. Twenty-six of them were discharged; whereas the treatment of 34 people is continuing in intensive care units.

The police have detained 11 people in relation to the incident.

One of the Turkmens who recovered told the police that they had consumed isopropyl alcohol to “protect themselves against the virus.” He also said that they were using it to clean their bodies.