Three Dead, Hundreds Sickened in Brazil Methanol Poisoning Outbreak; Illegal Alcohol Factory Discovered
BRASILIA, BRAZIL – A methanol poisoning outbreak in Brazil has claimed teh lives of three people and sickened 225 others, prompting a nationwide health alert and a police crackdown on illicit alcohol production. Authorities have uncovered a clandestine alcohol factory and seized approximately 10,000 bottles of contaminated beverages.
The majority of reported cases are concentrated in a single region,according to the Brazilian health ministry. Police have shuttered a dozen businesses linked to the distribution of the tainted alcohol, which is primarily affecting gin, vodka, and whiskey.
Health Minister Alexandre Padilha described the situation as “abnormal and unlike anything else in our history regarding methanol poisoning in the country.” He urged citizens to exercise extreme caution, stating, “I advise everyone to avoid distilled products, especially colourless ones, unless you’re certain of their origin. Thes are not essential items.”
Methanol,a toxic alcohol commonly found in products like paint thinner and antifreeze,is often used as a cheaper,and deadly,substitute for ethanol in illegally produced alcoholic drinks.It is virtually undetectable without laboratory testing, being clear, tasteless, and odorless. Even small amounts can cause severe health consequences.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) defines methanol poisoning as resulting from the consumption of this toxic alcohol. According to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), as little as 4mL of methanol can cause blindness, with symptoms including visual disturbance, dizziness, drowsiness, vomiting, severe abdominal pain, and diarrhoea. Severe cases can lead to coma, nervous system damage, and death.
This outbreak echoes a similar tragedy last year in Laos, where six backpackers, including a British lawyer, died after consuming drinks laced with methanol.
The World Health Institution has called on member states to bolster surveillance for toxicological and epidemiological threats, ensure rapid clinical management of cases, and strengthen public awareness campaigns.Authorities are working to investigate and control the circulation of the contaminated beverages.
Brazilian health officials are advising the public to avoid consuming any alcoholic drinks without proper labeling and to remain vigilant for symptoms of methanol poisoning.
