Querétaro, Mexico – Martina Pérez Rendón, Secretary of Health for Querétaro, has confirmed a sixth fatality linked to the consumption of allegedly methanol-contaminated alcoholic beverages in the municipality of Colón. The incident, which initially claimed five lives, has now resulted in one more death, raising concerns about the safety of alcoholic products in the region.
Ongoing Investigation and Health Concerns
The exact cause of the poisoning remains under investigation, with test results yet to be finalized. “We still don’t have the results; clinically it seems to be methanol or ethylene glycol poisoning,” Pérez Rendón explained. These toxic substances, often found in industrial products, can cause severe health issues if ingested.
Two additional individuals affected by the poisoning were admitted to the General Hospital of Cadereyta de Montes. Fortunately, both have shown significant improvement and have been discharged. “They have already been discharged for improvement; fortunately, there were no complications. However, the six deaths are regrettable,” Pérez Rendón added.
Public Advisory and Preventive Measures
In light of these events, the health secretary urged citizens to avoid consuming alcoholic beverages of dubious origin. She emphasized the importance of ensuring that bottles are properly sealed and labeled to reduce the risk of consuming adulterated products.
Government Actions to Combat Adulterated Alcohol
To prevent further incidents, the Querétaro Government Secretariat and the Directorate Against Sanitary Risks have launched operations aimed at identifying and shutting down the sale of pirated or adulterated alcoholic beverages. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to safeguard public health and ensure that only safe, certified products are available in the market.
Legal Proceedings and Investigation
The Attorney General’s Office of the State of Querétaro has been tasked with conducting a thorough investigation into the deaths. This investigation is expected to identify the source of the contaminated alcohol and hold those responsible accountable.
Social Media Reports and Official Confirmation
Reports of fatalities due to adulterated alcoholic beverages began circulating on social media two weeks ago, specifically mentioning the rural ejido Patria de Colón. Initially, the Querétaro Government Secretariat confirmed five deaths from poisoning. However, by Wednesday, the death toll had risen to six, reflecting the severity of the situation.
The increase in deaths due to suspected methanol poisoning highlights a critical public health issue in Querétaro. The health authorities and government officials are working diligently to prevent further tragedies by cracking down on the distribution of unsafe alcoholic products and raising public awareness about the risks of consuming beverages from unverified sources. As the investigation continues, it remains crucial for the public to heed warnings and prioritize safety in their consumption choices.
