By Reloaded News Health Desk
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, has linked an outbreak of severe illness and deaths in Ondo State to locally prepared alcoholic and herbal drinks containing high concentrations of methanol.
The agency said 182 cases and 48 deaths had been recorded as of September 17.
NAFDAC said 90 patients had been admitted to hospitals and discharged, while 31 were treated as outpatients and six remained hospitalised.
Five affected people were reported to have suffered total blindness, while two others suffered partial blindness.
The affected communities are mainly in Odigbo Local Government Area, including New Town, Odole, Okele, Orita Odigbo, Araromi-Obu and Oniparaga. Cases have also been reported in Irele Local Government Area.
NAFDAC said its analysis found high methanol concentrations in samples of the locally prepared drinks. Eleven of 15 samples analysed also tested positive for Cannabis indica.
The agency said investigation, surveillance and risk-control measures remain ongoing.
