At least 49 people have died and about 100 others are receiving treatment following a suspected methanol poisoning outbreak in Ondo State, southern Nigeria.
Health authorities said about 182 people have been affected in the Odigbo and Irele areas, with medical teams continuing to treat those who consumed a suspected contaminated alcoholic drink.
Among the survivors is 32-year-old Gbenga Oluwaseun, who recalled falling seriously ill during the night after consuming the substance.
He said he began experiencing a rapid heartbeat at about 2 a.m. and called for help before losing consciousness while being taken for treatment.
Residents told the Associated Press that a locally produced herbal alcoholic drink known as “Monkey Tail” is suspected of being linked to the outbreak.
Authorities, however, have not confirmed the drink as the source of the poisoning, and investigations are continuing to establish what caused the deaths and illnesses.
Anthony Fashua, medical director of Life Care Hospital, said many of the patients affected were relatively young, with several between the ages of 30 and 40.
He said some patients also had underlying health conditions, including hepatitis B and existing organ dysfunction, which could complicate their condition.
“Those people that are really affected are the young age, variable from 30 years to 40 years,” Fashua said, adding that some had underlying health conditions before consuming the suspected substance.
Methanol is a toxic form of alcohol that can cause severe poisoning, including damage to the nervous system, blindness and death when consumed.
Locally produced alcoholic drinks are widely consumed in Nigeria, particularly in rural communities where they are often cheaper and more accessible than commercially produced brands.
Authorities and health officials are continuing investigations into the suspected source of the outbreak as efforts to treat those affected and prevent further cases continue.
