Health Alert: Countrywide (Brazil), Reports of Methanol Poisoning Due to Adulterated Alcohol

Health Alert – U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Brazil (October 3, 2026)

U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Brazil (October 3, 2026) 

Location: Brazil 

Event: As of October 2, local media report 59 suspected cases and 12 confirmed cases of methanol poisoning across three states:  São Paulo, Pernambuco, and Brasilia. The Brazilian Ministry of Health has confirmed one death. Investigations revealed the methanol poisoning was caused by adulterated drinks, including gin, whiskey, and vodka, sold in bars and liquor stores. 

Actions to Take:  

• Consult the Brazilian Ministry of Health’s website  for updates. 
• The Brazilian Ministry of Health advises caution when purchasing and consuming alcoholic beverages until further notice. 
• Seek medical attention immediately if, 12 to 24 hours after consuming an alcoholic beverage, you experience symptoms such as persistent drunkenness, gastric discomfort, and changes in vision. 
• Notify friends and family of your safety. 

Assistance:  

U.S. Embassy Brasília 

SES – Av. das Nações, Quadra 801, Lote 03 

Brasília, DF – 70403-900 

Phone: (61) 3312-7000 

After-Hours Emergencies: (61) 3312-7400 

E-mail: BrasiliaACS@state.gov 

U.S. Consulate General Recife  

Rua Gonçalves Maia, 163. Bairro Boa Vista 

Recife, PE – 50070-060 

Phone: (81) 3416-3050 

After-Hours Emergencies: (81) 3416-3060 

Email: RecifeACS@state.gov 

U.S. Consulate General Rio de Janeiro  

Av. Presidente Wilson, 147 Castelo 

Rio de Janeiro, RJ – 20030-020 

Entrance at Rua Santa Luzia 

Phone: (21) 3823-2000 

After-Hours Emergencies: (21) 3823-2029 

Email: ACSRio@state.gov 

U.S. Consulate General São Paulo  

Rua Henri Dunant, 500. Chácara Santo Antonio 

São Paulo, SP – 04709-110 

Phone: (11) 3250-5000 

After-Hours Emergencies: (11) 3250-5373 

E-mail: SaoPauloACS@state.gov 

U.S. Consulate General Porto Alegre  

Av. Assis Brasil, 1889. Passo d’Areia 

Porto Alegre, RS – 91010-005 

Phone: (51) 3345-6000 

After-Hours Emergencies: (51) 3345-6000 

E-mail: PortoAlegreACS@state.gov 

U.S. Consular Agency Fortaleza 

Torre Santos Dumont, Avenida Santos Dumont, 2828, Suite 708 

Aldeota 60150-162 

Fortaleza, CE 

E-mail: fortalezaacs@state.gov 

U.S. Consular Agency Manaus 

Edifício Atrium, Rua Franco de Sá 310 – Sala 306 

São Francisco, 69079-210 

Manaus, AM. 

E-mail: manausacs@state.gov 

U.S. Consular Agency Salvador 

Avenida Tancredo Neves, 1632, Suite 1401 

Salvador Trade Center, Torre Sul 

Caminho das Árvores 

Salvador – BA, 41820-020, Brazil. 

E-mail: salvadoracs@state.gov 

For More Information: 

• See the State Department’s travel website   for the Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Brazil Country Specific Information    
• Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) https://mytravel.state.gov/s/step  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.