The death toll from suspected alcohol poisoning in two communities in Ondo State has risen to 30, with 60 cases recorded, the state government has said.
Banji Ajaka, the state Commissioner for Health, disclosed this on Friday in Akure, saying three affected persons were receiving treatment in hospitals while 27 others remained under medical observation.
The incident occurred on September 5 in Odigbo town and Araromi-Obu after residents reportedly consumed an herbal liquid substance.
Some of those affected allegedly became unconscious before dying at different locations.
Ajaka said cases were recorded mainly in Orita Odigbo, Araromi-Obu, Newtown, Odole, Okele and Oniparaga communities.
He added that 95 per cent of those affected were males aged between 16 and 55.
According to the commissioner, those affected presented symptoms including headache, body pain, weakness, visual disturbance, difficulty breathing and altered consciousness, with some patients deteriorating rapidly.
“The pattern of illness and reported history of exposure have raised strong epidemiological suspicion of exposure to a probable toxic alcoholic substance,” Ajaka said.
“However, we are yet to have laboratory evidence of the cause of the deaths.”
The commissioner said 36 blood and urine samples had been collected for laboratory analysis, while samples of the suspected alcoholic substances had also been submitted for toxicological investigations.
He said the investigation was being conducted in collaboration with relevant regulatory and security agencies, adding that several suspects had been taken into custody.
As part of measures to prevent further cases, the state government has imposed a temporary ban on the production and sale of locally brewed alcoholic and alcoholic herbal beverages in Odigbo Local Government Area.
Ajaka urged residents to avoid alcoholic products from unlicensed sources and seek immediate medical attention if they develop blurred vision, breathing difficulty, sudden weakness, confusion or loss of consciousness after consuming alcohol.
He also appealed to residents and community leaders to promptly report unusual illnesses and sudden deaths to health authorities.