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The Methanol Poisoning Outbreaks in Iran 2018
Hamidreza Aghababaeian1,2,3, Ladan Araghi Ahvazi2,3, Abbas Ostadtaghizadeh1
1Department of Health in Emergencies and Disasters, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Alcohol and Alcoholism (Oxford, Oxfordshire)
|February 5, 2019
Summary
A 2018 methanol poisoning outbreak in Iran resulted in 76 deaths among 768 cases. This highlights the critical need for public awareness and early warning systems to combat methanol poisoning globally.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Methanol poisoning outbreaks pose a significant global health threat.
- Recent decades have seen an increasing incidence of methanol poisoning worldwide.
- Informal alcohol consumption is a common factor in methanol poisoning incidents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the 2018 methanol poisoning outbreak in Iran.
- To determine the epidemiological data, causes, and lessons learned.
- To contextualize the outbreak within the global rise of methanol poisoning.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of field information and official reports.
- Data collection from Iran's forensic medicine organization and Ministry of Health.
- Review of news reports and public health records.
Main Results:
- 768 cases of methanol poisoning were documented in Iran (September-October 2018).
- A 10.1% fatality rate was observed, with 76 deaths.
- Males constituted 93% of fatalities; 41% of cases were aged 25-36.
Conclusions:
- The Iran outbreak demonstrated a high methanol poisoning fatality rate.
- Outbreaks are more prevalent in low-income countries due to lack of awareness and legal issues.
- Effective educational models and early warning systems are crucial for prevention and management.
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