São Paulo reports dozens of methanol poisoning cases as authorities warn against alcohol consumption.
Surge in Cases and Official Warnings
Brazil is facing a wave of methanol poisonings currently concentrated in São Paulo and its surrounding areas. Authorities have urged consumers to exercise extreme caution, which, according to media reports, has led to a sharp decline in alcohol sales by several dozen percent. As of Monday, health authorities confirmed or were investigating 225 cases of poisoning, with up to 15 reported deaths.
Brazilian media first began reporting cases of poisoning linked to alcohol consumption last week. Since then, the number of confirmed and suspected cases has continued to rise. Nearly 200 of these cases are concentrated in São Paulo, Brazil’s most populous city, which has also recorded two confirmed deaths. Authorities are investigating an additional 13 deaths, according to the ministry.
Calls for Caution and Impact on Consumption
On Friday, Health Minister Alexandre Padilha urged residents of the city to abstain from drinking or to be extremely cautious. “Drink only when you are absolutely certain of the alcohol’s origin,” he said, adding that the risk of poisoning is highest with distilled spirits such as vodka and gin. Padilha advised residents of São Paulo to avoid these beverages altogether.
The government’s warnings and public uncertainty have affected weekend alcohol and cocktail consumption, which fell by roughly 30 percent, according to restaurant and bar owners. Some establishments, however, reported an increase in beer sales, as customers consider it a safer option, writes Infobae. Police are investigating the source of the contaminated alcohol and have detained several individuals. Methanol is commonly used in the production of bootleg liquor. The Brazilian Ministry of Health has also increased the distribution of substances and medications used to treat methanol poisoning in hospitals.
Source: ČTK
