Overview

• Health officials say the victims died between mid-September and early October after drinking vodka at bars in São Paulo.
• Investigators report the contaminated beverages are mainly gin, vodka, and whiskey served in nightlife venues.
• Police have shut at least 11 businesses and seized more than 10,000 bottles as they trace supply chains.
• Authorities have not determined whether the contamination was accidental or intentional, and public warnings urge avoiding unlabeled or unverified liquors.
• The health minister says 2,500 doses of fomepizole were procured from Japan with PAHO support, and WHO has called for strengthened surveillance and clinical readiness.