SES-RJ (Rio de Janeiro State Health Department) received notification of three more suspected cases of methanol poisoningin the cities of Cantagalo, Cabo Frio and Volta Redonda (RJ).
Patients are monitored by CIEVS/SES-RJ (Strategic Health Surveillance Information Center) and Public Security authorities have been notified to begin investigations. The cases are added to that of São Pedro da Aldeia, which remains under laboratory investigation.
On Monday (6), the secretariat began the purchasing process to acquire more doses of the antidote for. The objective is to speed up the treatment of suspected patients.
The secretariat’s recommendation for people who experience blurred vision, gastric discomfort and gastritis after drinking alcohol is to seek the nearest care unit.
Inspection and seizures in Rio de Janeiro
On Saturday (4), the Civil Police of Rio de Janeiro carried out an operation to combat the manufacture and trade of .
According to the corporation, the agents took to the streets in the capital and Baixada Fluminense to carry out 21 search and seizure warrants. Thousands of suspected counterfeit bottles have already been seized and will be sent for analysis.
Six people were taken to provide clarification. The operation is carried out by teams from DRCPIM (Department for the Repression of Crimes Against Intangible Property).
Symptoms and risks of methanol
Early signs of may be mistaken for a common hangover, including nausea and headache. However, the main warning is visual changes, such as the “snow field” – the sensation of seeing white dots – in addition to motor incoordination and altered consciousness, which can progress to coma and death.
Treatment includes the use of medopizole, an antidote that blocks the enzyme responsible for transforming methanol into formic acid, in addition to hemodialysis. Even with adequate treatment, around 30% to 40% of cases can result in death, and survivors can develop serious neurological sequelae.
Prevention and care
As a preventative measure, experts recommend avoiding the consumption of distilled beverages at this time, opting for beers and wines. Visual identification of adulterated products is practically impossible, even for experienced people, due to the sophistication of counterfeits.
In case of suspected poisoning, especially in the presence of visual changes or symptoms more intense than a common hangover, it is recommended to seek medical attention immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to increase the chances of survival and reduce the risk of permanent sequelae.
*Under AR supervision.
