Outbreak of methanol fatalities in Jordan

ABSTRACT

To investigate methanol poisoning from a national forensic perspective in Jordan. From 1st January 2006 to 31st December 2006 a total number of 1388 autopsies were carried out at the National Institute of Forensic Medicine; the medico legal and toxicology reports were probed for methanol related deaths. Variables abstracted included age, sex, circumstances of death, admission to hospital, principle cause of death, and blood methanol concentration. Seventeen cases of fatal methanol intoxication were reported, representing a mortality rate of 0.3 per 100,000. All deaths occurred in the last quarter of the year 2006, and all victims were males. The major outbreak of 11 cases [64.7%] occurred in October. The victims mean age was 36 years [24-56 years], the age group 21 -30 years accounted for 35.3% of the total cases. Eleven cases were found dead, 4 were admitted to hospital before death and 2 cases were brought to the forensic medicine institution due to fatal road traffic accident. Methanol concentration ranged from 46 to 645 mg/dl [mean 306 mg/100ml], no ethanol or drugs of abuse were detected. As alcohol intake propagates within Jordanian community, a significant increase in the number of fatal alcohol poisoning is expected. Jordanian society lacks the public awareness regarding the grave consequences of methanol intoxication. A prompt medical, legal and education plan should be implemented as soon as possible to save lives, and eradicate poisoning outbreaks