The death toll from a suspected poisonous alcohol outbreak in Ondo State has risen to 49, with affected cases reaching 170.
Ondo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Banji Ajaka, disclosed the latest figures during an update in Akure. He said new cases had been recorded in Irele Local Government Area, indicating that the situation had spread beyond the communities initially affected in Odigbo.
Health authorities have intensified surveillance and contact tracing to contain the outbreak and determine the source of the poisonous substance. Ajaka said medical teams had also been deployed to affected communities to monitor residents, manage suspected cases and support investigations.
The commissioner said the outbreak was also discussed at a national meeting. One involving state health commissioners and officials of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC). He added that Ondo’s response in surveillance, case management and tracking was commended.
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Earlier, Ajaka had reported 29 deaths and 121 affected people in Odigbo Local Government Area. The suspected poisoning was linked to locally produced alcoholic and alcoholic-herbal drinks consumed at two naming ceremonies. The affected Odigbo communities include New Town, Odole, Okele, Orita Odigbo, Araromi-Obu and Oniparaga.
As part of measures to prevent further deaths, the state government banned the production and sale of locally brewed alcoholic and alcoholic-herbal beverages in Odigbo. Police have also arrested a suspect in Araromi-Obu over the alleged production and distribution of the substances, while investigations continue.
