CHP examines case of methanol poisoning
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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) is today (October 10) examining a case of methanol poisoning and interested members of the general public not to buy and take in alcohol from skeptical sources.
The CHP got notice from the Hospital Authority (HA) today of a case including an 86-year-old male who was a persistent drinker and provided with visual loss in mid-September. He looked for medical attention and was hospitalised for management. He is presently in steady condition. Medical and laboratory assessment exposed raised serum methanol level, and unusual serum and urine formic acid (a metabolite of methanol) levels. The scientific medical diagnosis was methanol poisoning.
The Hong Kong Poison Control Centre of the HA having actually examined the client’s scientific and laboratory outcomes and thought that the client may have consumed or been exposed to methanol. Intake of alcohol including methanol might not be left out. The CHP has actually right away carried out a home go to today with the HA and Centre for Food Safety of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department to try to find possible sources of methanol direct exposure. The examination is continuous.
The CHP has actually advised the HA to increase caution to poisoning signs in clients looking for treatment just recently in public healthcare facilities. No other cases of methanol poisoning have actually been discovered up until now.
According to CHP’s records, just one case of methanol poisoning was alerted to the CHP in the previous 5 years. The case happened in 2024 and included a 47-year-old ship team member who provided with visual loss after taking in a self-prepared mix of white wine and hand rub.
The DH advised the general public that methanol is a hazardous alcohol which is not planned for consumption. Intake of methanol can result in harm to the main nerve system, loss of sight, and even death.
Members of the general public are advised not to buy and take in alcohol from uncertain sources and to participate in health center for medical attention right away if they presume methanol poisoning.