Alcohol poisoning death toll rises to 21 in Armenia

The death toll from poisoning linked to toxic vodka in Armenia rose to 21 as another victim died on Saturday.

From August 31 to September 12, a total of 46 cases of alcohol poisoning were recorded in Armenia, with 21 fatal outcomes, the Ministry of Health said.

In the mentioned period, 25 patients were discharged from hospital after receiving treatment at different medical centers across Armenia.

Most of the cases were recorded in Armavir Province, where, according to the law enforcement authorities, citizens were poisoned after drinking homemade alcohol purchased from a local resident, Ashot Hovsepyan, who was arrested on September 1.

The ministry urges people to refrain from using homemade alcoholic beverages of unknown origin to avoid such incidents.