Kuwait Battles Methanol Poisoning Outbreak, 13 Deaths and Dozens Affected
Kuwait’s Ministry of Health has reported 13 fatalities and 63 cases of alcohol poisoning since Saturday, caused by methanol-tainted drinks, highlighting the dangers of consuming the highly toxic industrial alcohol.
In a statement, the ministry revealed that 31 patients required artificial respiration, while 51 received urgent dialysis sessions and 21 cases suffered permanent blindness or severe visual impairment.
The health authorities warned that methanol, commonly used in chemical industries and paints, is extremely dangerous and should never be consumed, as even small amounts can lead to blindness or death.
Illegal Alcohol Trade Blamed for Poisoning
The ban on alcohol imports in Kuwait since 1964 and its criminalisation in the 1980s have led to a thriving illegal trade, with some individuals trading in contaminated or poorly prepared beverages.
South Asian migrant workers, who form a significant proportion of Kuwait’s population, are particularly vulnerable to exposure to these products, often working in construction, domestic services, and retail sectors.
Authorities have urged citizens to report any suspected cases of alcohol poisoning through hospitals or approved hotlines, assuring that they are following up on all cases.
Investigations are currently underway to identify the source of the contaminated drinks, while security agencies are monitoring unauthorised distribution outlets.
The Kuwaiti government has stressed the importance of taking immediate action to prevent further incidents, highlighting the need for increased vigilance and cooperation from the public to combat the illegal trade of toxic substances.