15 poisonings from ingestion of alcohol-based hand sanitizer reported in U.S.

8/8/2020 14:18

        The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed that it received notification of 15 cases of methanal poisoning associated with ingesting alcohol-based hand sanitizers in recent months.
        
        The 15 cases, including four deaths, were reported in Arizona and New Mexico states from May through June 30, according to a CDC report published Wednesday.
        
        Among the four patients who died, three had seizures when they were hospitalized. According to the CDC, three other patients were discharged with vision loss after treatment.
        
        In early July, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning, saying "Methanol, or wood alcohol, is a substance that can be toxic when absorbed through the skin or ingested and can be life-threatening when ingested."