Kuwait: Toxic alcohol consumption kills 13 expat workers, dozens hospitalised

Kuwait’s Ministry of Health has confirmed that at least 13 expatriate workers from Asian countries have died and dozens more have been hospitalised after consuming alcohol contaminated with methanol. The health alert, issued on Wednesday, follows a surge in cases reported since Saturday.

According to the ministry, 63 patients have been treated in hospitals, with symptoms ranging from severe vision loss to respiratory failure. Thirty-one individuals required mechanical ventilation, while 51 underwent emergency dialysis. Twenty-one patients have suffered permanent blindness or significant vision impairment.

The ministry said it is working closely with the Kuwait Poison Control Centre, security agencies and other authorities to trace the source of the contaminated alcohol and identify those involved in its distribution. Authorities have warned the public about the dangers of unregulated alcoholic beverages and have urged anyone with symptoms of methanol poisoning to seek immediate medical attention.

An investigation has been launched and the public has been advised to report suspected cases by contacting hospitals or calling dedicated hotlines.