A 30-year-old woman has become the third person to die from methanol poisoning in the Brazilian state of São Paulo, as authorities investigate the source of the tainted drinks thought to be making people ill.
Bruna Araújo de Souza died after consuming a vodka drink at a bar more than a week ago, according to officials in the city of São Bernardo. Her death follows that of two men earlier this month.
Health ministry reports indicate a total of 225 confirmed cases of methanol poisoning across Brazil, with the majority concentrated in São Paulo. In response, authorities have closed at least 11 businesses and seized over 10,000 bottles of potentially dangerous alcohol.
The investigation is focused on determining whether the contamination was intentional or accidental, and health officials are advising the public to avoid consuming unlabeled or suspicious alcoholic beverages.
Methanol, a toxic alcohol often found in industrial products, can be deadly even in small doses. Symptoms of poisoning can mimic a typical hangover, complicating timely diagnosis.
Ms. Souza had been hospitalized in critical condition where tests confirmed the presence of methanol in her system. Sadly, she was later pronounced brain dead. The two other victims have been identified as Marcos Antônio Jorge Júnior, 46, and 54-year-old Ricardo Lopes Mira.
As investigations continue, a bar manager in São Paulo reported growing concerns among patrons, leading to warnings against consuming cocktails. Among the hospitalized patients is Brazilian rapper Hungria, who urged fans to seek safe drinking options.
Health Minister Alexandre Padilha has described the current situation as unprecedented in Brazil's history regarding methanol poisoning.
