At least 49 people have died in Ondo State following a suspected methanol poisoning outbreak linked to consumption of an alcoholic drink, health authorities have said.
About 182 people have reportedly been affected in the Odigbo and Irele areas of the state.
Around 100 others are currently receiving medical treatment.
Authorities are investigating the source of the poisoning.
Survivor Describes Sudden Illness
One of the survivors, 32-year-old Gbenga Oluwaseun, said he became seriously ill during the night.
He recalled feeling his heart beating rapidly after going to bed.
Oluwaseun said he tried to call for help and knock on the door.
He later became unconscious while being taken for medical treatment.
‘Monkey Tail’ Under Investigation
Residents told the Associated Press that a locally produced herbal alcoholic drink known as “Monkey Tail” is suspected of being connected to the outbreak.
However, health authorities have not confirmed that the drink caused the poisoning.
Investigations are still underway to establish the source.
Doctors Report Severe Cases
Doctors treating some of the victims said many of those affected are relatively young.
Medical Director of Life Care Hospital, Anthony Fashua, said some patients were between 30 and 40 years old.
He also said some patients had underlying health conditions.
According to Fashua, some victims had hepatitis B or existing organ problems before consuming the suspected substance.
He said these conditions could complicate the effects of methanol poisoning.
Concern Over Local Alcohol
Locally produced alcoholic drinks are widely consumed in Nigeria.
They are particularly common in rural communities.
For many consumers, such products are cheaper than commercially produced alcoholic beverages.
The latest outbreak has therefore raised concerns about the safety of locally produced alcohol and the need to identify the substance responsible for the deaths.
