Alliance for Pandemic Preparedness

August 5, 2020

Serious Adverse Health Events, Including Death, Associated with Ingesting Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizers Containing Methanol — Arizona and New Mexico, May–June 2020

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  • Fifteen cases of methanol poisoning associated with ingestion of alcohol-based hand sanitizers were reported in Arizona and New Mexico between May 1 and June 30, 2020. All 15 people were hospitalized, 6 developed seizures, and 9 received hemodialysis or continuous renal replacement therapy. Four of these patients had died as of July 8. An additional three were discharged from the hospital with visual impairment.  
  • An ongoing FDA investigation identified 67 alcohol-based hand sanitizer products that contain methanol. These products have been recalled.  

Yip et al. (Aug 5, 2020). Serious Adverse Health Events, Including Death, Associated with Ingesting Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizers Containing Methanol — Arizona and New Mexico, May–June 2020. MMWR. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. https://doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6932e1