The Ministry of Health reported, this Saturday (4), that the Brazil has 195 notifications of methanol poisoning after drinking alcohol, 14 cases confirmed and 181 in investigation. The notifications were sent by the states until 4 pm to the Strategic Information Center and response in National Health Surveillance (CIEVs).
São Paulo leads with 162 records – 14 confirmed and 148 in investigation.
There are also suspicious cases in the following states: 11 in Pernambuco; 5 in Mato Grosso do Sul; 3 in Paraná; 2 in Bahia; 2 in Goiás; 2 in Rio Grande do Sul; 1 in the Federal District; 1 in the Holy Spirit; 1 in Minas Gerais; 1 in Mato Grosso; 1 in Rondônia; 1 in Piauí; 1 in Rio de Janeiro; and 1 in Paraíba.
Of the total reported cases, 13 resulted in death, of which one is confirmed in the state of São Paulo, according to the Ministry of Health newsletter. This afternoon, the government of São Paulo confirmed a second death resulting from methanol poisoning
The deaths investigated are divided by the following states: 7 in São Paulo; 3 in Pernambuco; 1 in Bahia; 1 in Mato Grosso do Sul.
Given the increase and severity of cases, on Wednesday (1st) the Ministry of Health determined that the states and municipalities Notify all suspicions of methanol poisoning immediately. The measure aims to strengthen epidemiological surveillance and ensure a rapid and effective response to suspicious cases.
On the same day, a situation room was installed to monitor the cases. Of an extraordinary character, this structure will remain active as long as there is sanitary risk and the need for monitoring and national response.
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.
