According to the State Health Department, the patients had accidentally ingested the substance.
Three months after an outbreak of methanol poisoning left 23 dead in Brazil, seven people were hospitalized on suspicion of ingesting the substance in Ribeira do Pombal, in the interior of Bahia, this Monday (29). The information was released by the State Department of Health. The ministry stated that the patients had ingested the substance accidentally. “They remain sheltered and under observation at the Hospital Geral Santa Tereza, in the municipality, with ongoing assistance,” he said in a note. “If necessary, a specific antidote will be administered.”
Health surveillance investigates the suspicion and awaits the conclusion of laboratory tests. The case is also investigated by the Bahia Civil Police and the State Technical Police Department. Ribeira do Pombal City Hall released a note in solidarity with patients and families. “Management is monitoring the case and is working together with the State and the competent bodies to investigate the facts, adopting all appropriate measures.”
Remember the cases
In September, the adulteration of alcoholic beverages with methanol to lower the price of the products led to an unprecedented outbreak of poisoning from the substance in Brazil. Methanol can cause serious damage to health. An investigation by the São Paulo Civil Police found a clandestine factory in ABC Paulista and identified an organized crime scheme with different actors. The State concentrated the majority of cases, with 11 deaths. Pernambuco (5), Paraná (3), Mato Grosso (3) and Bahia (1) also recorded deaths.
What are the symptoms?
Identifying symptoms quickly and seeking medical attention are essential measures to avoid complications and deaths. The initial manifestations of intoxication begin shortly after ingestion. They are similar to signs of drunkenness, such as slurred speech and decreased reflexes. Between 16 and 30 hours after ingestion, when methanol has already been metabolized by the body, more serious effects appear, such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, weakness, abdominal pain and other conditions that can lead to death.
Furthermore, contamination causes changes in the central nervous system that can range from drowsiness to loss of vision, one of the main impacts of methanol consumption.
*With information from Estadão Conteúdo
