The Ondo State Government has confirmed that 29 people have died following suspected poisoning linked to the consumption of alcoholic substances in Odigbo Local Government Area.
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka, disclosed this on Friday night in Akure, saying 60 suspected cases had so far been recorded.
According to Ajaka, three people are currently receiving treatment in hospitals, while another 27 remain under medical observation.
He said 95 per cent of those affected were males between the ages of 16 and 55, with most of the cases reported in Orita Odigbo, Araromi-Obu, Newtown, Odole, Okele and Oniparaga communities.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some residents of the affected communities reportedly became ill after consuming substances suspected to be herbal alcoholic drinks.
Ajaka said affected persons presented symptoms including headaches, body pain, weakness, visual disturbances, breathing difficulties and altered consciousness, with some patients experiencing rapid deterioration.
“The pattern of illness and reported history of exposure have raised strong epidemiological suspicion of exposure to a probable toxic alcoholic substance.
“However, we are yet to have laboratory evidence of the cause of the deaths,” he said.
The commissioner disclosed that 36 blood and urine samples had been collected and sent for laboratory analysis. Samples of the suspected alcoholic substances have also been submitted for toxicological testing.
He said the investigation was being carried out in collaboration with relevant regulatory and security agencies, noting that several suspects had been arrested in connection with the incident.
As part of measures to prevent further cases, Ajaka said the state government had temporarily banned the production and sale of locally brewed alcoholic and alcoholic herbal beverages in the affected local government area.
He advised residents to stay away from alcoholic products obtained from unlicensed sources and seek immediate medical attention if they experience blurred vision, difficulty breathing, sudden weakness, confusion or loss of consciousness after consuming alcohol.
The commissioner also urged residents and community leaders to promptly report unusual illnesses and sudden deaths to health authorities.
Ajaka assured residents that the state government was working with national and international partners to establish the cause of the deaths and prevent further loss of life.