Fatal outbreak in Ondo state
At least 48 people have died and about 100 others are receiving treatment after drinking a locally brewed alcoholic concoction suspected to contain methanol, health officials in Nigeria said on Thursday. The cases were reported in Odigbo and Irele local government areas in Ondo state, in the southwest of the country.
Banji Ajaka, the state commissioner for health, said a total of 182 people are believed to have been affected and that some of the victims are being treated in hospital. He identified the source of the illnesses as a locally made alcoholic beverage, which is commonly consumed in rural communities.
Suspected methanol poisoning
Authorities have said the drink is suspected to contain methanol, a toxic alcohol that can cause severe poisoning, blindness and death when ingested. Medical teams are treating the sick and local health facilities have been mobilised to manage those with symptoms consistent with methanol exposure.
Local context and risks
Locally brewed alcohol is widespread in Nigeria, especially in rural areas where it is cheaper and largely unregulated. Such informal production increases the risk that beverages will be contaminated with harmful substances, including methanol, either through improper distillation or deliberate adulteration to increase potency.
Response and investigation
State officials have not released a full laboratory confirmation but said they are investigating the incident and coordinating care for the victims. Local authorities and health workers are expected to continue probing the source of the contaminated drink and to warn communities about the dangers of consuming unregulated alcoholic products.