A new suspected case of methanol poisoning is currently being investigated in Petrolina, located in the Sertão region of Pernambuco, Brazil. The affected patient is hospitalized after consuming vodka and exhibiting severe symptoms such as blindness, tremors, and seizures. Health authorities were alerted to this incident on Monday, indicating a growing concern over the safety of alcohol consumption in the area.

Initial investigations suggest that the vodka consumed by the patient was purchased from a commercial establishment in the Henrique Leite neighborhood, while the drinking took place in the Idalino Bezerra neighborhood. It's noteworthy that two other individuals also consumed the same alcohol but did not show any symptoms of poisoning, highlighting the uncertain presence of methanol in the beverage. The local Health Secretariat and the Municipal Health Surveillance Agency (AMVS) have been made aware of these developments and are actively monitoring the situation.

This incident is part of a troubling trend regarding methanol poisoning, with previous cases being reported as well. In November 2025, three confirmed cases of methanol poisoning were recorded, raising alarms about the quality and safety of alcoholic beverages available to consumers. The presence of methanol — a toxic form of alcohol that can sometimes be found in illicitly produced spirits — poses significant health risks and raises questions about regulation and public health safeguards in the alcohol market of Brazil.