Kuwait is facing a deadly health crisis after 13 Asian expatriate workers died and dozens were hospitalised from toxic alcohol poisoning.

Kuwait’s Ministry of Health said 63 people have been treated since Saturday for methanol-contaminated alcohol, which has caused fatalities, critical illnesses, permanent blindness, and triggered a government investigation to trace the source and stop further cases.

Most of the victims, mainly construction and labour workers, showed symptoms consistent with methanol poisoning.

Methanol, an industrial solvent and fuel, is lethal even in small amounts when ingested. Unlike ethanol found in regular alcohol, its breakdown products trigger metabolic acidosis, depress the nervous system, damage vision—often causing permanent blindness, impair kidney function, and can be fatal.

Reported symptoms included headaches, vomiting, blurred vision, seizures, and in severe cases, coma or death.

Since the surge began on August 10, hospitals in Kuwait’s main medical centres have treated 63 poisoning cases.

Thirty-one patients are in critical condition on mechanical ventilation, 51 have undergone emergency dialysis for poisoning-induced kidney failure, and 21 have suffered permanent or severe vision loss.

The situation remains dire as doctors continue intensive efforts to stabilise patients and deliver life-saving care.

Preliminary findings suggest the methanol-tainted liquor came from illicit, locally made alcohol sold through black market channels, with Al Shuyoukh Block 4 identified as a key source.

Although Kuwait banned alcohol imports in 1964 and criminalised its consumption, illegal production and smuggling continue, often targeting migrant workers.

The Ministry of Health, working with security and regulatory agencies, has launched an intensive investigation to dismantle the production and distribution networks behind the toxic brew.

Authorities have stepped up raids and issued public warnings about the dangers of unregulated alcohol that may contain methanol.

Embassies of affected countries are coordinating with Kuwaiti officials and hospitals to support their nationals, arrange treatment, and assist families, with dedicated hotlines available for information and help.

Methanol is often mistaken for safe alcohol because it looks and smells like ethanol, but it is deadly. As little as 10 mL can cause permanent blindness, while more than 15 mL can be fatal. Symptoms usually appear 2–12 hours after ingestion, beginning with mild intoxication and progressing within 12–48 hours to severe metabolic acidosis, respiratory failure, and neurological damage.

Urgent treatment involves antidotes such as fomepizole or ethanol to block methanol’s metabolism, hemodialysis to remove toxins, and supportive care to manage complications. Delays greatly increase the risk of death or lasting injury.

Public health experts warn against consuming unlicensed or homemade alcohol, especially in countries with bans or strict restrictions.

Authorities in Kuwait are urging residents and workers to steer clear of black-market alcohol, follow official safety alerts, and report any suspicious activities to help prevent more deaths.

They stress that anyone suspecting methanol poisoning should seek urgent medical care, as prompt treatment is critical to survival.