Khaberni - Brazil is experiencing a state of national panic following the outbreak of mass poisoning due to the consumption of adulterated alcoholic beverages containing toxic methanol, which has led to the deaths of at least 5 people and the injury of dozens of others, all in the state of São Paulo, according to the Brazilian Ministry of Health.
The ministry confirmed in an official statement that 29 methanol poisoning cases have been confirmed so far, while another 217 cases are still under investigation, in addition to 12 suspected deaths that may be linked to the same cause. It explained that the state of São Paulo accounts for more than 73% of the total registered cases, followed by the states of Paraná, Rio Grande do Sul, and Bahia according to "CNN".
Health Minister Alessandri Padilla said at a press conference, "We are facing an unprecedented situation in the country's history. Methanol is a deadly substance even in small amounts, and can cause permanent damage to vision and serious neurological and respiratory disorders, and can lead to death within a few hours."
He added that the government has established a national operations room to monitor the crisis and distribute antidotes, including 2,500 doses of fomepizole and 12,000 bottles of medical ethanol, secured with support from the Pan American Health Organization to accelerate the treatment of those affected in the hardest-hit states.
The authorities also announced extensive raids in cooperation with the Federal Police, which resulted in the seizure of more than 10,000 suspicious bottles in bars and warehouses, and the closure of 11 facilities suspected of being involved in selling or distributing the tainted alcohol, amidst investigations indicating that criminal gangs are involved in mixing methanol with ethanol to cut costs and increase profits.
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The Ministry of Health is urging citizens and tourists to avoid consuming alcoholic beverages from unlicensed or unknown sources and to be aware of poisoning symptoms that include blurred vision, dizziness, vomiting, and difficulty breathing, confirming that early treatment in hospitals can save lives and prevent permanent vision loss.
