Ondo State Government has confirmed the deaths of 48 persons from the consumption of a local alcoholic drink suspected to be contaminated with methanol.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Akure.
Ajaka said 182 cases have been reported at medical facilities across Odigbo and Irele Local Government Areas of the state.
He said Irele Local Government Area of the state had emerged as the latest flashpoint of the incident, with two communities of Idogun and Gbogunron affected.
Ajaka said the source of the deaths had been linked to the consumption of substances suspected to contain methanol.
“The source of the death is linked to consumption of suspected methanol. The urine sample from the victims is pointing at suspected methanol,” he said.
The commissioner said health authorities and other relevant agencies were still investigating the source of the suspected methanol consumption in the two communities.
“We are still looking for the source of consumption in the two communities in Irele Local Government Area,” he said.
Ajaka said the state government had strengthened its response to the incident through collaboration with relevant federal and state agencies.
“The state government is working with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, World Health Organisation, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Department of State Service, Police, and Amotekun Corps, and the local government to prevent further escalation of the incident,” he said.
He said the multi-agency response was aimed at identifying the source of the suspected toxic substance, containing the incident and preventing further deaths.
Methanol is a toxic form of alcohol that can cause severe poisoning and death when consumed.
The development has raised concern in the state as health authorities continue surveillance and investigations in affected communities.
NAN reports that Ajaka had earlier confirmed 29 deaths in communities within Odigbo Local Government Area during a news conference.
(NAN)
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