The death toll from suspected contaminated locally-made alcoholic and herbal drinks in Ondo State has risen to 48, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has confirmed.
Laboratory analysis of 15 unlabeled samples showed high concentrations of methanol, a toxic industrial alcohol that can cause blindness, organ failure and death.
The agency said 182 cases have been recorded so far, with five victims rendered totally blind and two others partially blind. The outbreak has affected communities in Odigbo Local Government Area and parts of Irele LGA, including New Town, Odole, Okele, Orita Odigbo, Araromi-Obu and Oniparaga.
Cases Spread Across Odigbo, 90 Hospitalised
According to NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, the incident was first reported in early September after residents who consumed the concoctions developed sudden severe illnesses. Initial reports put deaths at 31 — 20 in Odigbo Town and 11 in Araromi-Obu — but surveillance has since pushed the figure higher.
Of the 182 affected persons, 90 were hospitalised and later discharged while six remain on admission.
Another 31 were treated as outpatients. Symptoms reported include headaches, body pain and weakness, visual disturbances, difficulty breathing and altered consciousness. NAFDAC said figures are still subject to verification.
Lab Tests Reveal Methanol, Cannabis in Samples
NAFDAC said acute toxicity tests on laboratory mice showed all samples caused critical illness, with about 50 percent mortality recorded in six samples. Chemical screening also detected Cannabis indica in 11 samples. Gas chromatography confirmed methanol in the brews.
The agency said the findings are preliminary, with further confirmatory tests ongoing to quantify methanol levels and identify other toxic agents.
15 Arrested as NAFDAC Intensifies Crackdown
The agency disclosed that 15 persons have been arrested in connection with the production, sale and distribution of the suspected drinks.
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It said surveillance, case management and risk-control measures are ongoing to prevent further exposure, while samples undergo full forensic and toxicological examination.
NAFDAC commiserated with families of the deceased and warned the public to avoid unregulated alcoholic and herbal mixtures, stressing that methanol in oral preparations is extremely dangerous.
