Eleven individuals have lost their lives and ten others are in critical condition following the consumption of homemade alcohol in Colombia. The incident came to light when authorities in Barranquilla responded to an emergency call about an unconscious man on the street. Upon investigation, it was discovered that the victim, a 47-year-old male, had passed away.
A toxicologist named Agustin Guerrero, overseeing the medical response, revealed that one individual did not survive despite efforts to resuscitate them. The patients were rushed to the General Hospital of Barranquilla in extremely precarious conditions. The toxicologist emphasized the challenges in detecting methanol poisoning promptly, as symptoms may manifest immediately or hours after ingestion.
In Barranquilla, homeless individuals are known to consume a concoction called “cochoco,” a cheap mixture of ethyl alcohol, methanol, and other substances. This fatal incident echoes a similar tragedy in late 2022 when 37 people in Bogotá succumbed to methanol poisoning.
Methanol poisoning occurs when methanol is inadvertently ingested, leading to the formation of formic acid that can result in severe health complications, including visual impairment, central nervous system damage, and death. The tasteless and odorless nature of methanol makes detection challenging, with symptoms ranging from confusion, dizziness, and fatigue to severe manifestations like headaches, seizures, and coma.
In a separate incident in Laos, methanol poisoning claimed the lives of six individuals, including two Australian teenagers, a British lawyer, two Danish nationals, and an American. Authorities advise immediate medical attention if methanol poisoning is suspected, emphasizing the importance of seeking help promptly to mitigate the risks associated with this deadly substance.