The third person dies from methanol poisoning in São Paulo

A 30 -year -old woman has become the third person to die of methanol poisoning in the Brazilian state of São Paulo, while the authorities investigate the source of contaminated drinks supposed to make people sick.

Bruna Araújo de Souza died after consuming a drink at vodka in a bar more than a week ago, according to officials from the city of São Bernardo. This comes after health officials announced the death of two men.

Until now, a total of 225 confirmed cases of methanol poisoning in Brazil, according to the last update of the Ministry of Health. Most of them were in São Paulo.

At least 11 companies have been closed and more than 10,000 bottles of alcohol seized by the authorities.

It is not clear if contamination was intentional or accidental, and people are invited to avoid consuming drinks without labels, safety seals or tax stamps.

Methanol is a type of alcohol that is commonly found in cleaning products, fuel and antifreeze. It is very toxic, even in small quantities.

Symptoms of methanol poisoning are similar to a hangover, which means that it can be difficult for a person to know if they have been affected.

Ms. Souza was hospitalized in critical condition and tests have shown that she had methanol in her system, just like her boyfriend, according to a Bishop published online. She was then confirmed as death from the brain.

The two deceased men were appointed in the Brazilian media under the name of Marcos Antônio Jorge Júnior and Ricardo Lopes Mira. They are both from the city of São Paulo,

Mira, 54, died on September 16, having fallen ill a few days ago, while Júnior, 46, died on October 2 after drinking vodka in a bar.

The state of São Paulo and national health officials say they are investigating other alleged deaths of methanol.

The director of a bar near Paulista Avenue, one of the busiest areas in the city of São Paulo, told the Associated Press: “Customers have been worried, and we advise them that it is best not to drink cocktails.”

Among those who were hospitalized with a suspected poisoning of methanol is the Brazilian rapper Hungria, who posted a photo of himself in the hospital on social networks with a legend saying “if you are thirsty, find a sure place to drink”.

The Brazilian Minister of Health, Alexandre Padilha, described the situation as “abnormal and contrary to something else in our history concerning methanol poisoning in the country”.