A 30-year-old woman has become the third person to die from methanol poisoning in the Brazilian state of São Paulo, as the authorities investigate the source of the tainted drinks thought to be making people ill. Bruna Araújo de Souza died after consuming a vodka drink at a bar more than a week ago, according to officials in the city of São Bernardo. It comes after health officials announced the deaths of two men.
There has been a total of 225 confirmed cases of methanol poisoning in Brazil so far, according to the health ministry's latest update. Most of these have been in São Paulo. At least 11 businesses have been closed and more than 10,000 bottles of alcohol seized by authorities.
It is unclear whether the contamination was intentional or accidental, and people are being asked to avoid consuming drinks without labels, safety seals, or tax stamps. Methanol is a type of alcohol commonly found in cleaning products, fuel, and antifreeze. It is highly poisonous, even in small amounts. Symptoms of methanol poisoning are similar to a hangover, making it difficult for affected individuals to recognize their condition.
Ms. Souza was hospitalized in critical condition, and tests showed she had methanol in her system. She was confirmed to be brain dead after her hospitalization. The two men who have died have been identified in Brazilian media as Marcos Antônio Jorge Júnior and Ricardo Lopes Mira, both from São Paulo.
Mira, 54, died on 16 September, having fallen ill a few days earlier, while Júnior, 46, died on 2 October after consuming vodka at a bar. Both state and national health officials have intensified investigations into other suspected cases of methanol poisoning. Concerns regarding the safety of alcoholic beverages have risen among patrons, prompting a bar manager to advise clients against drinking cocktails.
This alarming trend extends beyond Brazil; methanol poisoning is a significant health crisis in various parts of the world, with a majority of cases occurring in Asia. The lack of public awareness and regulations raises the risks for local populations and tourists alike.
There has been a total of 225 confirmed cases of methanol poisoning in Brazil so far, according to the health ministry's latest update. Most of these have been in São Paulo. At least 11 businesses have been closed and more than 10,000 bottles of alcohol seized by authorities.
It is unclear whether the contamination was intentional or accidental, and people are being asked to avoid consuming drinks without labels, safety seals, or tax stamps. Methanol is a type of alcohol commonly found in cleaning products, fuel, and antifreeze. It is highly poisonous, even in small amounts. Symptoms of methanol poisoning are similar to a hangover, making it difficult for affected individuals to recognize their condition.
Ms. Souza was hospitalized in critical condition, and tests showed she had methanol in her system. She was confirmed to be brain dead after her hospitalization. The two men who have died have been identified in Brazilian media as Marcos Antônio Jorge Júnior and Ricardo Lopes Mira, both from São Paulo.
Mira, 54, died on 16 September, having fallen ill a few days earlier, while Júnior, 46, died on 2 October after consuming vodka at a bar. Both state and national health officials have intensified investigations into other suspected cases of methanol poisoning. Concerns regarding the safety of alcoholic beverages have risen among patrons, prompting a bar manager to advise clients against drinking cocktails.
This alarming trend extends beyond Brazil; methanol poisoning is a significant health crisis in various parts of the world, with a majority of cases occurring in Asia. The lack of public awareness and regulations raises the risks for local populations and tourists alike.
