(PRESS RELEASE VIA SNO) – Chief Medical Officer Dr. Merlene Fredericks has raised a public health alert due to 4 suspicious deaths in close proximity to each other.

The four individuals are from Coolie Town in Marigot.

More in this report from Glen Simon

The Ministry of Health is currently investigating 4 unusual deaths of adults in the Coolie Town area. The deaths occurred between Friday 9th and Monday 12th March 2018.

These patients presented to the Victoria Hospital at varying times with unusual symptoms, such as sudden onset of blindness, abnormal abdominal pain and in some cases, persons developed rapid unconsciousness and death.

The symptoms seem more in keeping with a poisonous substance. We do not believe that the individuals died of an infectious disease.

We have heard rumors of a possible toxic substance, perhaps something that looks like and smells like alcohol being stolen and shared but have no evidence at this point of what the actual toxin may be.

Whilst the Ministry continues its investigation in the community, alongside the police, we are cautioning persons against drinking alcohol, especially drinks from unrecognized sources.

The Ministry is advising anyone with information to come forward and share with us and the police, in order to prevent further persons from being exposed to this toxic substance.

Persons who believe they may have been exposed should visit a health facility where they can be examined, tested and managed.