The death of Josadache Rodriguez, which occurred last Wednesday (13), is one of the deaths being investigated as a result of poisoning, possibly related to the consumption of adulterated alcoholic beverages in Betim, in the metropolitan region of Belo Horizonte. At the moment, two people have died, three more are under observation.

Josadache Rodriguez’s death is being investigated on suspicion of poisoning from a counterfeit drink – Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/R7/ND

Understand the matter

Three patients under observation reported drinking artisanal whiskey. According to the mayor’s office of Betim, the municipal department of health surveillance visited ten establishments in the Citrolandia area, where two deaths occurred, but did not find the drink.

“It is not yet possible to say that the cases are related until we receive official confirmation from the State Department of Health. The municipal leadership is still waiting for a response from the state based on the results of expert opinions,” the department said. in the note.

Patients under observation reported drinking artisanal whiskey – Photo: REPRODUCT / FREEPIK/ND

“Since there are five such cases, the Municipal Health Department has instructed doctors to monitor the emergence of new cases in all UPAs of the municipality. The municipality confirms that it is following all guidance from the State Department of Health, where further information can be obtained,” the agency concluded.

Death of Jehoshadach

According to a relative who wished to remain anonymous, Josadaque Rodrigues began to show symptoms on Monday (11) when he visited a friend feeling unwell. The metallurgical operator, then 34 years old, developed symptoms including vomiting and a drop in blood pressure and glucose levels.

Josadak lost consciousness and was taken to a medical facility in Colonia Santa Isabel, where he lived, in the Chitrolandia region, the target of the investigation. The situation seemed to be under control, but on Tuesday (12) the scenario changed.

“The doctor told me that the situation is critical and that he is alive and taking medication. Tests performed showed very low glucose and blood pressure levels. They did a CT scan and saw that his kidneys weren’t working,” says a relative.

Symptoms included abdominal pain, vomiting, blood-stained bowel movements and difficulty urinating. Given the gravity of the situation, Chosadake was transferred to Betima Regional Hospital on Wednesday (13). He died a few hours later after eight seizures and two cardiac arrests.

The mayor’s office of Betim declared data protection without confirming whether Geosadac Rodriguez was among the deaths under investigation. The family believes the death was due to possible exposure as Public Health contacted the family twice to obtain information about the victim’s life history.

The questions included the drinks and foods he consumed. The death certificate lists the cause as “investigation.” Josadak Rodrigues was single and had no children. He hasn’t worked since breaking his leg.

Investigation

The case is being investigated jointly by SES-MG (Minas Gerais State Department of Health), IMA (Mineiro Agricultural Institute), Betim City Hall, civil police and Mapa (Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock).

“We have little clear data on the symptoms, but among them there are symptoms of intoxication, vomiting and other issues. We only have two patients hospitalized and notified that we are under observation. We were told that they were placed in intensive care, but we do not have more confidential information. Our team will travel to Betim to collect more information,” said Health Minister Fabio Baccheretti.

“It is important to say that not everyone drank alcohol. It is too early to draw any conclusions that there is a specific drink that caused [a intoxicação]”, he added.

Civil police took blood samples from all patients and began an investigation. According to the government, nine cases are currently under investigation, of which two patients have died. State authorities have not yet announced which drink is being investigated.