Epidemiological Alert - Risk of Methanol Poisoning - 7 October 2025

In the last five years, at least five countries in the Americas Region have reported cases and deaths related to methanol poisoning; more recently, Brazil reported 16 confirmed cases of methanol poisoning following the consumption of adulterated alcoholic beverages. The Pan American Health Organization / World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) urges Member States to strengthen toxicological and epidemiological surveillance, ensure timely clinical management of cases, reinforce prevention and risk communication actions aimed at the population, and coordinate with the competent authorities to investigate and control the circulation of contaminated beverages.