The Pernambuco Sanitary Surveillance Agency (Apevisa) was notified, in the late afternoon of Tuesday (30), about three possible cases of methanol poisoning. Three men were treated at the Mestre Vitalino Hospital in Caruaru. Two died and the other lost their vision. The patients are from two municipalities of Lajedo and João Alfredo.
“As soon as it received the notification, Apevisa has initiated the preparation of inspection actions in alcoholic beverages. The State Department of Health (SES-PE) will issue guidance for both the population and municipal health surveillance. The main objective is the intensification of surveys to avoid possible fraud in establishments that sell alcohol,” says Apevisa in a statement.
According to Apevisa, in these cases the hospital reports the clinical picture, notifies the occurrence and records the information collected. The investigation is carried out by the surveillance of the state unit. In deaths with suspected poisoning, the body is sent to the Institute of Forensic Medicine (IML), where examinations are taken for completion.
The recommendation of the ApeVisa is that health services notify all suspected cases to the Notification Disease Information System (SINAN) and the Strategic Information Center and Health Surveillance Response (CIEVS/PE) and that do the active search for people who may have consumed drinks of the same origin. In addition to training health teams for appropriate clinical management, including use of specific antidotes and hemodialysis in severe cases.
It is also recommended that Sanitary Surveillance intensifies inspection in establishments that market alcohol, collect suspicious samples for laboratory analysis, preventively interdict lots and articulate joint actions with Procon, Public Prosecution Service and Security Forces.
“The population should observe signs that may indicate tampering: verify that the drink has registration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAPA), full label, proper seal, and only buying in reliable places. It is also essential to redouble attention with ready drinks and avoid products without prices well below the market,” says Apevisa.
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Initial symptoms of intoxication may be confused with those of common alcohol intake, such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and drowsiness. Between six and 24 hours after consumption, more serious signs may emerge, such as cloudy vision, photophobia, blindness, seizures and even coma.
