On 26/5, a leader from Ca Mau Provincial General Hospital reported that three patients were admitted with symptoms including headache, vomiting, dizziness, and blurred vision after consuming alcohol. Diagnosis confirmed methanol poisoning, a type of industrial alcohol often found in liquor of unknown origin.

Among the patients, a 45-year-old man has died. Two others, one 57 and one 49 years old, are currently receiving treatment in the Intensive Care and Anti-Poisoning Department. Their condition remains critical.

According to family members, a group of 5 people purchased homemade liquor from a convenience store near their home to drink. Local residents produce this type of liquor. During their gathering, the three affected individuals each drank about half a liter of the liquor. Several days later, all three began to experience symptoms, which rapidly worsened, leading to their emergency hospitalization.

The remaining two individuals in the group who consumed the liquor currently show no symptoms.

Authorities are investigating the incident, collecting liquor samples from the victims' home and the convenience store to determine the cause.

Doctors treating a patient with methanol poisoning. Photo: An Minh

Methanol is difficult to detect by taste or smell. Even a small amount ingested can cause brain damage, permanent blindness, or death. This type of alcohol is intended for industrial use and, to some extent, medical applications. However, people often mix it into counterfeit liquor for illicit profit due to its high alcohol content and low cost.

Doctors advise people not to consume unlabeled liquor or liquor from unknown producers to avoid the risk of poisoning, which can impact health and be life-threatening.

An Minh