At least 48 people have died in Ondo State after consuming a locally brewed alcoholic drink suspected of containing methanol, according to health authorities. A total of 182 people are believed to have been affected across the Odigbo and Irele local government areas, with around 100 others receiving treatment.
The herbal beverage at the centre of the outbreak is known as 'Monkey Tail' and is described as having high alcohol content. Local media reported that the first death was recorded nearly two weeks ago. Authorities said most people alleged to have consumed the drink were youths.
Early findings indicate possible methanol contamination, Banji Ajaka, Ondo state's commissioner for health, said. Urine samples from victims have also pointed to suspected methanol. Laboratory analysis of samples collected by the medical team remains under way, so the contamination has yet to be finally confirmed.
Methanol is a flammable, toxic alcohol that is not intended for human consumption. Its consumption can cause central nervous system depression, permanent blindness or death.
Police have arrested 15 suspects as the investigation continues. Authorities have not stated whether the contamination was accidental or intentional, how the beverage was produced, or how widely it was distributed.
The Ondo State Government banned unverified alcoholic products after the initial 24 deaths. It has since imposed a one-month ban on the sale and consumption of locally brewed alcoholic drinks in the affected area as a precautionary measure.
The inquiry involves the World Health Organization, Nigeria's National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, and other agencies. Authorities said a local brewer sold the alcoholic drink to people in the affected communities in Ondo.
Dr. Ayodele Adeji, the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Health, is among the officials involved in the response. The final laboratory findings will be central to establishing whether methanol caused the deaths and illnesses, and whether other toxic substances may have been involved.
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