Eleven individuals have lost their lives, and another ten individuals are in critical condition after consuming homemade alcohol in Colombia. The incident came to light when law enforcement in Barranquilla responded to an emergency involving an unconscious man on the street. Medical professionals confirmed the death of a 47-year-old individual at the scene.
Agustin Guerrero, a toxicologist overseeing the medical response, stated that one person did not respond to resuscitation efforts and passed away upon arrival at the hospital. Guerrero highlighted the critical condition of the patients brought to the General Hospital of Barranquilla, noting that some required intubation, advanced resuscitation procedures, and immediate transfer to intensive care.
The toxicologist emphasized the challenges in detecting methanol poisoning, as the symptoms can manifest immediately or hours after ingestion. “Cochoco,” a mixture of ethyl alcohol, methanol, and other substances, is a known beverage among homeless individuals in Barranquilla. This concoction, sold in plastic bottles for a minimal cost, has led to previous health emergencies in Colombia.
Methanol poisoning, resulting from accidental consumption of methanol often found in alcoholic beverages, can lead to severe health issues such as vision problems, damage to the central nervous system, and even death. The tasteless and odorless nature of methanol makes it difficult to detect early signs of poisoning, which include confusion, dizziness, fatigue, or vomiting. Serious symptoms may appear within 12 to 48 hours post-ingestion, ranging from headaches and nausea to seizures and vision impairments, potentially progressing to a coma.
In a similar incident, six individuals tragically lost their lives due to methanol poisoning at a bar in Laos, drawing attention to the risks associated with the substance. The UK government’s Travel Aware campaign advises individuals in tourist destinations to seek immediate help if they suspect methanol poisoning, either by contacting emergency services or heading directly to the nearest medical facility.