The government of São Paulo confirmed the second death arising from methanol poisoning in the state, according to information released on Saturday afternoon (4). Another seven are in investigation.
According to the State Department of Health, São Paulo has 162 cases, including confirmed and investigated methanol poisoning. This Saturday’s balance indicates 14 confirmed cases, with two deaths, both in the capital. Another 148 cases are investigated, with seven deaths.
The number of arrests made by the São Paulo Civil Police in operations due to beverage tampering rose from 30, on the balance released on Friday (3), to 41 today, in operations since the beginning of the year, 19 this week. The arrests took place in São Paulo, in Diadema, Santo André, Jacareí and Jundiaí.
Thousands of materials such as bottles, brands and others were also seized. The actions are part of the São Paulo Government’s task force to combat cases of methanol contamination. In all, 11 establishments had a ban – of some products or total – by the task force.
Medical emergency
Methanol poisoning is an extremely severity medical emergency. The substance, when ingested, is metabolized in the body in toxic products (such as formaldehyde and formic acid), which can lead to death.
The main symptoms of intoxication are: cloudy vision or vision loss (may reach blindness) and widespread malaise (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, sweating).
In case of identification of symptoms, immediately seek emergency medical services and contact at least one of the following institutions:
Anvisa Dial-Intoxication: 0800 722 6001;
Of your city for specialized guidance (See list here);
São Paulo Poison Control Center (CCI): (11) 5012-5311 or 0800-771-3733-from anywhere in the country;
It is important to identify and guide possible contacts that have consumed the same drink, recommending that you immediately seek a health service for proper assessment and treatment. The delay in care and identification of intoxication increases the likelihood of the most severe outcome with the patient’s death.
