Gaspard Karekezi, a Ruhango resident, said illicit alcohol left him blind and claimed the life of his wife, while he survived suspected methanol poisoning after consuming an unsafe alcoholic drink.
Karekezi said he and his wife drank the beverage in February. She died the following day, while he later developed similar symptoms and was hospitalised at CHUB.
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Methanol Poisoning Leaves Man Blind
Doctors found that Karekezi had kidney problems and treated him urgently, but he lost his sight after the poisoning damaged his optic nerves.
Two family friends who had provided the alcohol also died, according to Ruhango District authorities.
CHUB medics said methanol, which can be present in illicit alcohol, can cause severe organ damage, including permanent blindness, particularly when treatment is delayed.
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Blindness Leaves Father Struggling to Support Family
Karekezi, a father of five, said his blindness has left him struggling to provide for his family, with his children out of school and neighbours helping him with basic needs.
