Brazil Confirms 46 Methanol Poisoning Cases Amid Ongoing Investigations and Government Response
Brazil confirms 46 methanol poisoning cases linked to alcoholic beverages, with 87 investigations ongoing and government steps to enhance diagnostics and treatment.
- • 46 confirmed methanol poisoning cases and 87 under investigation in Brazil
- • Eight confirmed deaths with six in São Paulo and two in Pernambuco
- • Government issued treatment guidelines including ethanol or fomepizol administration
- • Increased testing capacity and importation of fomepizol to toxicology centers
Key details
The Brazilian Ministry of Health reported 46 confirmed cases of methanol poisoning linked to adulterated alcoholic beverages as of October 17, 2025. These confirmed cases are part of a total 133 notifications, with 87 under investigation and 528 dismissed. São Paulo remains the most affected state, accounting for 38 confirmed cases and 44 under investigation. Other states with confirmed cases include Paraná with 4, Pernambuco with 3, and Rio Grande do Sul with 1. The death toll stands at eight confirmed fatalities, six in São Paulo and two in Pernambuco, with eight additional deaths under investigation across several states including São Paulo, Pernambuco, Mato Grosso do Sul, Minas Gerais, and Paraná.
In response, the Ministry, alongside the Brazilian Association of Intensive Medicine, has released clinical guidelines recommending early recognition of poisoning symptoms and treatment with ethanol or fomepizol. Importation of fomepizol is underway to expand antidote availability. Laboratory capacity is being increased, with CIATox of Unicamp scaling up to 190 daily tests and Fiocruz providing additional support. A situation room has been established to monitor and coordinate responses in São Paulo.
The Ministry committed to updating methanol poisoning case data thrice weekly. This ongoing effort reflects the government's prioritization of rapid diagnosis and treatment to reduce fatalities amid this public health concern.