At least 48 people have died in Ondo State after consuming a local alcoholic drink suspected of containing methanol.
The health crisis has affected communities across Odigbo and Irele Local Government Areas.
State health officials have recorded 182 suspected cases at medical facilities in the affected areas.
Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka, confirmed the deaths during an interview with NAN in Akure.
He said Irele has become the latest area affected by the suspected methanol poisoning.
The Idogun and Gbogunron communities are among those affected by the incident.
Ajaka said medical findings have linked the deaths to 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.
However, authorities have not identified the exact source of the suspected contaminated drink.
Ajaka said investigations are still ongoing across the two affected Irele communities.
He further States, “We are still looking for the source of consumption in the two communities in Irele Local Government Area.”
The Ondo State Government has also increased its response to prevent more deaths.
Officials are working with NAFDAC, WHO, NDLEA, DSS, Police and the Amotekun Corps.
The local government is also involved in efforts to contain the situation.
“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.
Methanol is toxic and can cause serious poisoning when consumed.
The Ondo poisoning incident has therefore raised concern among residents and health officials.
NAN reported that Ajaka previously confirmed 29 deaths in Odigbo communities.
The latest figures show that the Ondo methanol poisoning crisis has spread to additional communities.
