The death toll from suspected alcohol poisoning in two communities in Ondo state has risen to 30, with 60 recorded cases.
Banji Ajaka, the state commissioner for health, gave the
update on Friday in Akure, saying three people were currently receiving
treatment in hospitals while 27 others remained under medical observation.
The incident occurred on Saturday, 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 the cases were recorded mainly in Orita Odigbo,
Araromi-Obu, Newtown, Odole, Okele and Oniparaga communities, with 95 percent
of those affected being males aged between 16 and 55.
He said 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 LGA.
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.
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