A 49-year-old man died at home in São Bernardo do Campo, in Greater São Paulo, on Tuesday (30), after suspected methanol poisoning. With this case, there are now six confirmed deaths across the state. According to Folha de S. Paulo, São Bernardo City Hall received 13 notifications of possible intoxications. One of them was confirmed, and nine people remain hospitalized in public and private hospitals in the municipality.
Series of Deaths in São Bernardo
The city accounts for four deaths, all of men aged between 38 and 58 years. The victims died between September 18 and 30, in different hospitals and also at home.
Among the hospitalized, a 30-year-old woman remains in serious condition in the ICU at Hospital das Clínicas. According to doctors, her contamination has already been confirmed, and she is sedated and undergoing hemodialysis.
Investigations into the Adulterated Beverages
The Health Secretariat reported that the exams of the deceased are being analyzed by the Medical Legal Institute (IML). “Epidemiological Surveillance is already in contact with the families of the victims and hospitalized patients to identify possible consumption locations and surrounding areas,” the city hall highlighted in a statement.
A bar and batches of drinks were shut down in São Bernardo and will remain closed until the end of the investigations, in a joint action by municipal and state health authorities.
State Government Actions
According to Health Secretary Eleuses Paiva, 22 suspected cases were registered in São Paulo, seven confirmed. To contain the crisis, three bars were shut down, and more than a hundred seized bottles from recent days were sent for forensic analysis.
Methanol Health Risks
Highly toxic, methanol affects the liver and can cause blindness due to damage to the optic nerve. Interior designer Rhadarani Domingos was one of the confirmed victims after consuming contaminated drink.
Source: brasil247.com