The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has linked the deaths of 48 people in parts of Ondo State to the consumption of locally prepared alcoholic and herbal concoctions suspected to contain high levels of methanol.
The agency disclosed that 182 cases have so far been recorded in communities affected by the incident, with several victims suffering serious health complications, including blindness.
The affected areas are mainly in Odigbo Local Government Area, including Odigbo Town, Araromi-Obu, New Town, Odole, Okele, Orita Odigbo and Oniparaga. Cases have also been reported in Irele Local Government Area.
According to NAFDAC, the outbreak was first reported in early September after residents who had consumed the suspected drinks began falling seriously ill and dying.
The agency said the initial number of reported deaths stood at 31, but subsequent surveillance and investigations increased the recorded cases to 182, with the death toll rising to 48.
NAFDAC reported that 90 affected persons had been hospitalised and later discharged, while six remained in hospital. Another 31 people were treated as outpatients.
The health impact has also included severe visual complications. Five victims reportedly became totally blind, while two others suffered partial blindness.
Symptoms recorded among affected individuals include headaches, general weakness and body pains, visual disturbances, difficulty breathing and altered consciousness. Some cases reportedly deteriorated rapidly after symptoms developed.
As part of its investigation, NAFDAC collected and analysed 15 unlabeled samples of the suspected alcoholic and herbal products.
The agency said preliminary toxicological and chemical examinations detected high concentrations of methanol in the samples. Eleven of the 15 samples also reportedly tested positive for Cannabis indica.
NAFDAC explained that methanol is highly toxic when consumed and can cause severe poisoning, blindness, organ failure and death.
Animal toxicity testing also showed serious effects, with approximately half of the laboratory mice exposed to six of the 15 samples dying, according to the agency.
However, NAFDAC stressed that the laboratory findings remain preliminary. Further confirmatory tests are being conducted to determine the precise concentration of methanol and establish whether other toxic substances were present.
The agency said 15 people have so far been arrested in connection with the suspected production, sale and distribution of the toxic drinks, while investigations continue.
NAFDAC described the incident as a significant public health concern and said surveillance, medical case management, investigation and other risk-control measures were ongoing.
The agency also warned that the reported figures could change as authorities continue verifying cases and gathering information from the affected communities.
NAFDAC expressed condolences to families who lost relatives in the incident and urged continued caution while the investigation into the suspected contaminated alcoholic concoctions continues.
