Editor’s Note: The article has been updated to reflect recent developments. Unfortunately, the number of people who passed away has increased from 10 to 15.
The cause of death of at least 15 individuals in Kenitra, Morocco has been determined to be poisoning from Mahya, a type of homemade alcoholic beverage often produced and sold illegally.
From Monday, June 3, until the evening of yesterday (Wednesday, June 5), the regional hospital in Kenitra received an influx of 156 cases related to the case. Out of these, 105 were treated at the Kenitra hospital, while 41 were transferred to the Moulay Youssef Regional Hospital in Rabat. Tragically, the Kenitra hospital reported nine deaths, and one death was recorded at the Souk El Arbaa hospital.
In an interview with the national radio and television company, a spokesperson confirmed these figures. However, the number of deaths occurring outside the hospital remains unverified.
Only prospective medical autopsies will confirm whether other deaths were due to complications from the methanol poisoning or not.
In the meantime, the Regional Directorate of Health and Social Protection in the Rabat-Salé-Kénitra region issued a statement on Wednesday, confirming that the substance causing the poisoning was methanol, as verified by the Moroccan Center for Poison Control and Pharmacovigilance in Rabat.
The Directorate has urged residents of the Kenitra region to report any similar cases immediately and to seek medical attention at the nearest health facility to prevent severe health complications.
