Brazil Faces 209 Suspected Methanol Poisoning Cases Amid Health Response
Brazil investigates 209 suspected methanol poisoning cases with 16 confirmed and 15 deaths reported as health authorities distribute antidotes and urge immediate medical care.
- • Brazil investigates 209 suspected methanol poisoning cases with 16 confirmed, mostly in São Paulo.
- • Fifteen deaths reported, with two confirmed in São Paulo; others remain under investigation.
- • Ministry of Health distributed 580 ampoules of pharmaceutical ethanol as antidote to affected states.
- • Methanol poisoning can cause blindness, coma, respiratory and kidney failure; urgent treatment is essential.
Key details
Brazil is currently investigating 209 suspected cases of methanol poisoning, with 16 of these cases confirmed, according to recent health reports. The vast majority of confirmed cases, 14, have been reported in São Paulo, with an additional 2 cases confirmed in Paraná. Authorities are also examining 15 deaths potentially linked to this outbreak, with 2 deaths confirmed in São Paulo and 13 others still under investigation.
Methanol poisoning results from ingestion of this industrial alcohol, which is highly toxic. The liver metabolizes methanol into dangerous substances that can severely damage the central nervous system. This toxicity can lead to symptoms such as blurred vision, nausea, abdominal pain, general malaise, and may cause blindness, coma, respiratory failure, kidney failure, and death if untreated.
São Paulo leads with the highest number of cases under investigation, totaling 178. Besides São Paulo and Paraná, 13 other states including the Federal District, Goiás, and Ceará have reported suspected cases, although some states like Bahia and Espírito Santo have had their cases dismissed.
In response, the Ministry of Health has distributed 580 ampoules of pharmaceutical ethanol, the antidote for methanol poisoning, to states requesting additional supplies. Pernambuco received 240 ampoules, Paraná 100, Bahia 90, the Federal District 90, and Mato Grosso do Sul 60. Prompt medical intervention is critical, and health authorities urge those exhibiting symptoms to seek emergency care immediately and contact poison control centers for evaluation and treatment.
Methanol's industrial use and high toxicity emphasize the importance of awareness and caution related to this poisoning outbreak. The Ministry continues monitoring and coordinating with state health departments to manage the situation and prevent further casualties.