The Methanol Poisoning Outbreaks in Iran 2018

AIMS: To present epidemiological data, probable causes and lessons learned from the outbreak of methanol poisoning in Iran in September 2018, and relate this to the increasing incidence of methanol poisoning worldwide over recent decades. METHOD: Analysis of all available reliable field information, official news reports and reports from the country's forensic medicine organization and the Ministry of Health. RESULTS: Overall, 768 people in Iran were documented as poisoned from September 7 to October 7 2018 by consuming an informal alcohol containing methanol, of whom 76 died (10.1% fatality rate); 460 subjects attended state hospitals due to acute methanol poisoning of whom 42 (9.13%) died. Those who were hospitalized comprised 177 subjects (38.4%), with 241 subjects (52.3%) seen and discharged. Males comprised 93% of the deaths. About 41% of those poisoned were aged 25-36. Outbreaks were reported in 21 provinces. CONCLUSION: These data indicate a high fatality rate of methanol poisoning in Iran, something seen also in some other countries. Considering that such outbreaks take place more in low-income and Islamic countries due to ignorance and legal constraints, it seems necessary to seek an effective educational model for raising public awareness and a fully native and early warning system in this regard to reduce the damage and enhance readiness to deal with the health effects of such outbreaks.