KUWAIT CITY, Aug 13: Over the past five days, from Saturday until today, the Ministry of Health has reported 63 cases of alcohol poisoning linked to the consumption of locally manufactured beverages contaminated with methanol. The ministry coordinated closely with hospitals, the Kuwait Poison Control Center, security agencies, and other relevant authorities to manage the crisis.

The severity of the cases varied. Thirty-one patients required respiratory ventilation, while 51 needed urgent kidney dialysis. Alarmingly, 21 individuals suffered permanent blindness or significant vision impairment. The outbreak has so far claimed 13 lives, all of Asian nationality.

The Ministry of Health emphasized that it continues to monitor patients around the clock and is working with authorities to ensure access to necessary medical care. The public has been urged to report any suspected cases of poisoning immediately to hospitals or approved hotlines.

A security source stated that a special task force traced the affected individuals to purchases of locally manufactured alcohol in the Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh area. Following raids on targeted distribution points, around 10 suspects were arrested.

Investigations revealed that the detainees disclosed several methanol production sites, including warehouses in Kirby and private residences. Authorities continue to investigate to apprehend all parties involved and pursue legal action.

By Jaber Al-Hamoud
Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff and Agencies