Ondo Alcohol Poisoning: 48 Dead, 182 Affected as Panel Confirms Methanol in Monkey Tail
A total of 48 people have died while 182 others were affected in the recent alcohol poisoning outbreak in Ondo State, with laboratory findings confirming high concentrations of methanol in a local alcoholic concoction known as “monkey tail.”
The NMA-NAFDAC Liaison Committee disclosed this in an update on Tuesday, following laboratory analysis conducted by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control.
Chairman of the committee, Dr Azim Adekunle Ashimi, said samples collected from Odigbo, Irele and neighbouring local government areas contained high concentrations of methanol and Cannabis indica.
According to the committee, five of the affected persons have been left permanently blind, while two others suffered partial loss of vision.
Ashimi explained that methanol is an industrial solvent that is not intended for human consumption. He said that when ingested, it is metabolised by the liver into formic acid, which can damage the optic nerve and retinal cells.
He said methanol poisoning could result in irreversible blindness, severe metabolic acidosis, multiple organ failure and death if not treated promptly.
The committee said victims presented with symptoms including severe headache, abdominal pain, general weakness, altered consciousness, difficulty breathing and blurred or “snowfield” vision after consuming the affected drink.
Ashimi advised healthcare providers in Ondo and neighbouring states to maintain a high index of suspicion when treating patients who develop sudden visual impairment or unexplained metabolic acidosis after consuming local alcoholic or herbal mixtures.
He urged medical personnel to provide prompt resuscitation, airway management and correction of acidosis, while administering appropriate antidotes and carrying out urgent haemodialysis where indicated.
He also called for immediate reporting of suspected cases to relevant health authorities and NAFDAC.
The committee acknowledged the arrest of 15 suspects in connection with the incident but called for a wider crackdown on informal distilleries, illegal herbal mixture blenders and open-market distribution networks.
It further urged nationwide public sensitisation against the consumption of unlabelled and unregistered alcoholic beverages and called for stricter control of methanol supply chains to prevent the substance from being diverted into beverage production.