Methanol Poisoning in Tunisia

Four people have died and three others are recovering after consumption of a methanol-contaminated beverage called Quaris. The alcohol was available in the Médenine governorate.

Advice

The consumption of clandestine alcohol is a high risk due to its frequent contamination with methanol during illegal distillation. Methanol is highly toxic.  Substantial methanol exposure can result in nausea, vomiting, headache, blurred vision, permanent blindness, seizures, coma, permanent damage to the nervous system or death. 

Travellers should only consume alcoholic beverages produced by known commercial companies.