The death toll linked to the consumption of suspected poisonous alcoholic and alcoholic-herbal beverages in Ondo State has risen to 49, while the number of affected people has increased to 170.
The latest cases were recorded in Irele Local Government Area, indicating that the outbreak has spread beyond the communities initially affected in Odigbo LGA.
Ondo State Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka, disclosed the development during an update on the situation in Akure.
He said health authorities were intensifying surveillance, case management and contact tracing as they work to contain the outbreak and establish the source of the suspected poisonous substance.
According to the commissioner, medical teams have been deployed to affected communities to monitor residents, manage suspected cases and trace people who may have been exposed to the substances.
The state government is also working with security and regulatory agencies as part of the response.
These include the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other relevant agencies.
The authorities are expected to continue surveillance and investigations as they seek to determine how the suspected poisonous substances were produced and distributed.
The latest figures represent a significant increase from the numbers previously announced by the state government.
In an earlier briefing, Ajaka said 29 people had died and 121 had been affected in Odigbo Local Government Area.
The affected communities included New Town, Odole, Okele, Orita Odigbo, Araromi-Obu and Oniparaga.
The commissioner said investigations into the Odigbo cases indicated that the affected people consumed locally produced alcoholic and alcoholic-herbal substances during two naming ceremonies.
According to him, one of the individuals who supplied the substance was not a member of one of the families hosting one of the ceremonies.
The person allegedly procured the substance and brought it to the event for guests to consume.
In response to the fatalities, the Ondo State Government imposed a ban on the production and sale of locally brewed alcoholic and alcoholic-herbal beverages in Odigbo Local Government Area.
The government said the measure was introduced as a precaution while investigations continue.
The police have also arrested a suspect in Araromi-Obu in connection with the alleged production and distribution of the substances.
The suspect’s arrest is expected to support ongoing efforts to establish the source and distribution chain of the drinks.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not established the exact toxic substance responsible for the illnesses and deaths.
Ajaka said the situation was also discussed at a national meeting involving state commissioners for health and officials of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).
He said Ondo State’s response in areas including surveillance, case management and tracking was commended during the meeting.
Health authorities are continuing to monitor the affected communities while investigating the new cases reported in Irele.
The increase in cases has heightened concerns about the safety of locally produced alcoholic and alcoholic-herbal beverages in the affected areas.
However, authorities are still investigating the exact cause of the outbreak.
Residents in affected communities are expected to follow directives from health authorities and avoid consuming locally produced alcoholic or alcoholic-herbal beverages that have been restricted by the state government.
As surveillance and contact tracing continue, officials are also working to identify additional cases and determine whether further communities have been affected.
