Metanol poisoning in adulterated drinks causes serious symptoms and deaths in San Paolo. Find out how to identify and act quickly to avoid fatal consequences.
In the last few days, the state of Saint Paul has had to face an alarming increase in cases of methanol poisoning, a toxic chemical chemical used illegally to tamper alcohol. To date, 22 suspicious and confirmed cases have been reported, including five deaths. The town hall of San Paolo confirmed the first death of 30 September and the investigations continue to trace the origin of the bottles of false vodka seized in the capital.
Methanol: what it is and why it is so dangerous
Methanol, also known as methyl alcohol, has properties similar to an ananol (common alcohol), but is much more toxic to the human body. When ingested, the methanol is metabolized in the liver in compounds that attack vital organs such as liver, kidneys, brain and optical nerve. Its effects can cause confusion and intense abdominal pain to irreversible blindness and death, depending on the dose consumed.
Symptoms that cannot be ignored
The symptoms of methanol poisoning usually derive between 6 and 24 hours after consumption. I am:
- Intense abdominal pain;
- Nausea and vomiting;
- Dizziness, mental confusion and sleepiness;
- Flocked vision, photophobia, loss of vision of colorscan evolve to blindness;
- Convulsions, coma and serious metabolic acidosis.
The initial symptoms can be confused with common alcoholic poisoning, which makes early detection difficult. Therefore, medical advice is to seek immediate care when you notice any atypical sign, in particular visual problems.
Increase in risks and serious complications
In addition to the risk of death, serious cases may evolve into shock, pancreatitis, kidney failure and neurological compromise with tremors and slow movements. The rapid evolution of symptoms makes help within 6 essential hours to avoid permanent sequences.
Profile of victims and investigations on cases
Most of the victims are young adults, with some cases involving consumption in parties or bars. Suspected drinks such as gin, whiskey and vodka were the source of cases. In Pernambuco, there were also 3 suspicious cases of poisoning, with two dead and a patient who had a loss of bilateral vision.
Measures of the health authorities
The Health Department of San Paolo and the Ministry of Health have issued notices and guidance for all states for the immediate notification of suspicious cases. The toxicological care centers have been mobilized to support healthcare professionals in diagnosis and rapid poisoning treatment.
The importance of awareness and prevention
Since methanol does not change the color, smell or flavor of the drink, consumers and factories should be aware and avoid the consumption of drinks with dubious origin. The population is oriented to seek immediate care in the face of atypical symptoms after alcohol consumption.
Specialized service and necessary exams
Suspicious patients should be evaluated immediately with laboratory tests and ophthalmological evaluation to monitor possible damage to the optical nerve and other organs. Specific treatments can reduce damage if started in advance.
The notice for families and communities
Families should be attentive to cases where someone has sudden neurological or visual symptoms after alcohol consumption, since intoxication requires urgent attention. Communities and bars should also collaborate with the authorities to block the circulation of adulterated drinks.
Paths for control and inspection
The safety and health surveillance forces intensify the actions to identify and grasp adulterated drinks, dismantle the distribution networks and blame the culprits. Integrated work is essential to curb the crisis of methanol poisoning across the country.
Source: Terra
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