States Report New Methanol Deaths as Brazil Confirms 53 Poisoning Cases

Overview

• Brazil’s Health Ministry lists 53 confirmed methanol intoxications linked to adulterated alcoholic beverages across five states, led by São Paulo with 42 cases.
• Federal data show 10 deaths (7 in São Paulo, 2 in Pernambuco, 1 in Paraná), while Paraná authorities now report three fatalities and São Paulo recorded another death in Osasco, creating a discrepancy still being reconciled.
• Paraná’s update cites two additional deaths confirmed this week, and São Paulo health officials said a patient hospitalized since early September died after ingesting adulterated gin.
• Health authorities expanded toxicology capacity via CIATox/Unicamp and Fiocruz and began distributing the antidote fomepizole, alongside clinical guidance from the intensive‑care society for rapid treatment.
• Police and health inspectors continue seizures and forensic testing, including operations in São Paulo tied to suspected clandestine bottling, as the Federal Police caution it is too early to link the scheme to organized crime.