The death toll from the suspected consumption of methanol-contaminated alcohol in Ondo State has risen to 49, as the health crisis spreads from Odigbo to Irele Local Government Area.
The state government said the outbreak had affected at least 170 people, according to an update given by Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka.
A subsequent official update reported 48 deaths and 182 cases as of September 16, indicating that the figures were still changing as authorities continued to collate data.
Ajaka said preliminary tests from victims were pointing to suspected methanol poisoning, while investigators continued efforts to identify the source of the toxic substance.
The crisis was first reported on September 5 after residents of Odigbo town and Araromi-Obu reportedly consumed a locally produced alcoholic or herbal alcoholic substance.
Cases were subsequently recorded in communities including Orita Odigbo, Araromi-Obu, Newtown, Odole, Okele and Oniparaga before the outbreak spread to Irele.
According to the commissioner, the situation in Irele had become a major concern, with eight deaths recorded there within one period of the investigation.
He said authorities were intensifying surveillance, case management and contact tracing in the affected communities while working to trace the source of the suspected poisonous substance.
The victims reportedly presented with symptoms including headache, body pain, weakness, visual impairment, breathing difficulties and altered consciousness, with some cases deteriorating rapidly.
At the earlier stage of the outbreak, the state government said most of those affected were males aged between 16 and 55.
In response to the deaths, the Ondo State Government ordered a ban on the sale and distribution of unverified alcoholic drinks and other substances, in a bid to prevent further consumption and contain the spread of the outbreak.
The police have also intensified investigations, with 15 people arrested in connection with the incident, including a suspect allegedly linked to the production of a drink believed to have contained methanol.
Substances recovered during the investigation were reportedly sent for forensic examination.
The state government is working with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), World Health Organisation (WHO), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Police, Amotekun Corps and local government authorities as part of the multi-agency response.
The agencies are focusing on tracing the source of the suspected toxic alcohol, treating victims, monitoring affected communities and preventing further deaths.
Methanol is highly toxic and can cause severe poisoning, including visual impairment or blindness, damage to the nervous system and other organs, and death.