TWENTY students of a secondary boarding school in Pitas were treated for suspected methanol poisoning at Pitas Hospital after they consumed carbonated drinks laced with spirit on Tuesday.

Sabah deputy health director Dr Asits Sanna said of the 20 students, aged 13 to 17, eight of them suffered stomachaches, vomiting, blurred vision and headaches, and of the eight, two were admitted to intensive care units, one each at Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Queen Elizabeth 2 Hospital yesterday.

“Of the remaining six, five were sent to Queen Elizabeth Hospital and one is being treated at Pitas Hospital. Preliminary investigations revealed they had the drinks at 2.30pm on Tuesday.

“The first victim began to show symptoms at 8pm that same day, while the last was at 6.30pm Thursday,” he said in a statement today, adding that the 12 asymptomatic students were admitted to Pitas Hospital for observation and further treatment.

Dr Asits said samples have been taken from the victims to confirm the presence of methanol, including blood, urine and of the drinks itself, and investigations were ongoing to determine the true cause of the incident.

He said someone suffering from methanol poisoning might not show any symptoms up to 72 hours after ingestion, but symptoms manifest faster with higher consumption.

He said drinking tainted or illegal alcoholic drinks is dangerous and advised the public to seek immediate treatment if they suffer symptoms of methanol poisoning, including vomiting, stomachaches, headaches or blurred vision. – Bernama, June 9, 2023.