10 people die, 185 sick from mice moonshine

10 people die, 185 sick from mice moonshine

Jonker Rumteh, The Jakarta Post, Manado

At least 10 residents of Bolaang Mongondouw regency in North
Sulawesi died and another 185 remained critical on Wednesday
after drinking a locally made alcoholic beverage called tikus
(mice).

The drink is made from the fermentation of palm sugar and
mixed with other substances. The beverage is popular among low-
income people in North Sulawesi because it is cheap and sold in
most shops across the region.

The victims all suffered from similar symptoms, mainly high
fever coupled with eyesight and breathing problems. Four people
died on Monday after they drank the beverage on Sunday night,
while the others have died over the last two days. The victims
were from several districts in the regency.

Those who were still alive had been taken to hospitals, said
Dilapanga, a government official from Sangtombolang district in
Bolaang Mongondouw regency .

The beverages were distributed on Sunday to shops around
Bolaang Mongondouw from a factory in South Minahasa regency and
shortly thereafter were consumed by local residents, quickly
leading to illness. The residents were warned on Wednesday not
drink the tikus and all the bottles were taken out of the shops
and destroyed, said Dilapanga.

A senior health official confirmed the tragedy and alleged
that an additional substance might have been added to the drink,
which was likely the cause.

Chief of North Sulawesi police detectives Sr. Comr. Johnny
Hotma Hutahuruk said the police had questioned six witnesses over
the case, but would not reveal anything beyond that.