CHP investigates case of methanol poisoning
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The CHP received notification from the Hospital Authority (HA) today of a case involving an 86-year-old male who was a chronic drinker and presented with visual loss in mid-September. He sought medical attention and was hospitalised for management. He is currently in stable condition. Clinical and laboratory examination revealed elevated serum methanol level, and abnormal serum and urine formic acid (a metabolite of methanol) levels. The clinical diagnosis was methanol poisoning.
The Hong Kong Poison Control Centre of the HA having evaluated the patient's clinical and laboratory results and believed that the patient might have ingested or been exposed to methanol. Consumption of alcohol containing methanol could not be excluded. The CHP has immediately conducted a home visit today with the HA and Centre for Food Safety of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department to look for possible sources of methanol exposure. The investigation is ongoing.
The CHP has reminded the HA to heighten vigilance to poisoning symptoms in patients seeking treatment recently in public hospitals. No other cases of methanol poisoning have been found so far.
According to CHP's records, only one case of methanol poisoning was notified to the CHP in the past five years. The case occurred in 2024 and involved a 47-year-old ship crew member who presented with visual loss after consuming a self-prepared mixture of wine and hand rub.
The DH reminded the public that methanol is a toxic alcohol which is not intended for ingestion. Consumption of methanol can lead to damage to the central nervous system, blindness, or even death.
Members of the public are reminded not to purchase and consume alcohol from doubtful sources and to attend hospital for medical attention immediately if they suspect methanol poisoning.
Ends/Friday, October 10, 2025
Issued at HKT 22:47
Issued at HKT 22:47
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