A 30-year-old woman has become the third person to die from methanol poisoning in the Brazilian state of São Paulo, as authorities investigate the source of tainted drinks believed to be responsible for a growing number of illnesses. Bruna Araújo de Souza tragically passed away after consuming a vodka drink at a bar, following the deaths of two men linked to similar circumstances.
As of now, there have been 225 confirmed cases of methanol poisoning reported across Brazil, with the majority concentrated in São Paulo. In response, authorities have closed at least 11 businesses and seized more than 10,000 bottles of alcohol as part of their investigation.
The origin of the contamination remains uncertain, leaving residents and visitors alike cautioned against consuming any unlabelled or improperly sealed beverages. Methanol, often found in cleaning supplies and fuel, is known to be highly toxic, even in small doses, leading to symptoms that can resemble a hangover, complicating early diagnosis.
Incredibly, Souza was hospitalized in critical condition where she was confirmed to have methanol in her system, alongside her boyfriend. Sadly, she was later declared brain dead. The two previous fatalities were identified as Marcos Antônio Jorge Júnior and Ricardo Lopes Mira, both residents of São Paulo.
Health officials at both state and national levels are conducting investigations into other potential cases of methanol poisoning, as public concern continues to rise. Notably, Brazilian rapper Hungria also reported hospitalization due to suspected methanol poisoning, urging his followers to ensure they consume alcohol safely.
Brazil's Health Minister described the recent rise in methanol poisoning as abnormal and unlike anything else in our history. This is not the first outbreak the country has faced; in 1999, 51 individuals lost their lives due to similar poisoning incidents in Bahia, and a wave of poisonings occurred in Peru in 2022, leading to 54 deaths.
Medical charity Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) notes that thousands suffer from methanol poisoning annually, primarily in Asia, fueled by a lack of regulatory oversight and public preparedness.
