Here's a link in Spanish from "Listin Diario"........
https://www.listindiario.com/la-rep...ra-el-cleren-y-que-sintomas-causa-si-intoxica
English Translation:
Clerén is an illegal alcoholic beverage (without sanitary registration) sold in bulk and consumed by low-income people mainly in the south, due to its low cost (worth three times less than rum).
Since last week, the intake at a wake in Elías Piña of this homemade drink allegedly contaminated with methanol, has killed at least 12 Dominicans, of 33 affected by poisoning, according to official figures issued by the Ministry of Public Health.
How is the clerén prepared and how can it be contaminated? It is made with sugar cane and fermentable fruits; methanol contamination can occur by distillation of woods used as raw material or flavoring or by adding solvent products with high methanol content such as thimner.
Methanol or methanol, colorless and very toxic is obtained by distilling wood. It is rapidly and easily absorbed from all exposure pathways (dermal, inhalation and oral) and easily crosses all membranes.
Clerin is known in Haiti as clairin, or kleren and as reported by the AP agency in an article in July this year: "It is a young drink less refined than rum, although some artisanal varieties undergo a process of maturation that It gives a more smooth and peculiar flavor. It is made in hundreds of small distilleries throughout the country. "
According to the article, in the elaboration the cane is put in a mill to extract the juice that is of caramel color, although the final product has a clear tone like the vodka.
Clinical picture
The clinical picture of clerén poisoning can start in a few hours up to three days after ingestion, developing in three stages, according to the explanations offered by the authorities of Collective Health of the Ministry of Public Health.
The first of these stages occurs in the affected person with weakness, dizziness and nausea. After an asymptomatic period, a second phase appears, with the development of metabolic acidosis, characterized by vomiting, abdominal pain, disorientation and visual disturbances with photophobia, blurred vision, bilateral mydriasis not reactive to light and occasional blindness.
In other words, If you can't afford to buy a legit product, don't drink.......