Brazil Reports 32 Confirmed Methanol Poisoning Cases Amid Ongoing Investigations
Brazil's Health Ministry confirms 32 methanol poisoning cases as investigations continue across multiple states with five deaths recorded.
- • Brazil has 32 confirmed methanol poisoning cases as of October 13, 2025.
- • Confirmed cases mainly occur in São Paulo, Paraná, and Rio Grande do Sul.
- • Five deaths confirmed with nine additional deaths under investigation.
- • Investigations continue with 181 cases pending and 320 suspicions discarded.
Key details
As of October 13, 2025, Brazil has confirmed 32 cases of methanol poisoning linked to the consumption of adulterated alcoholic beverages. The Brazilian Ministry of Health reported that these cases represent an increase of three since the previous update on October 10. No new deaths have been confirmed, maintaining the total number of fatalities at five.
The majority of confirmed cases are in São Paulo state, with 28 cases. Paraná and Rio Grande do Sul follow with three and one confirmed cases, respectively. Additionally, 181 cases remain under investigation across several states, while 320 suspicions have been discarded, indicating a decline in unconfirmed cases from previous figures.
Investigations are active in multiple regions, particularly São Paulo with 100 notifications and Pernambuco with 43. Other states involved include Espírito Santo, Rio de Janeiro, Rio Grande do Sul, Mato Grosso do Sul, Minas Gerais, Ceará, and Alagoas. Healthcare authorities clarified recent updates regarding cases originally reported in Pernambuco but reallocated to other states based on residency information.
Concerning fatalities, besides the five confirmed deaths in São Paulo, nine additional deaths are currently under investigation. These suspected deaths span states such as São Paulo, Pernambuco, Mato Grosso do Sul, Minas Gerais, and Ceará, underscoring the severity and geographic spread of the issue.
The Ministry of Health has committed to providing tri-weekly updates every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday after 5 PM to keep the public informed about this ongoing public health concern.
This outbreak of methanol poisoning underscores a critical warning against the consumption of illicit or adulterated alcoholic drinks, prompting intensified surveillance and public health interventions across affected Brazilian states.