Authorities in Ondo State have intensified efforts to contain a suspected toxic alcohol outbreak in Odigbo Local Government Area, with health officials bringing in national agencies to investigate the source of the illness and prevent further casualties.
The Ondo State Commissioner for Health, Banji Awolowo Ajaka, says 60 suspected cases have been recorded so far, with 29 deaths reported, representing a fatality rate of about 48 percent. He added that most of the affected persons are males between the ages of 16 and 55.
According to the commissioner, the affected communities include New Town, Odole, Okele, and Orita in Odigbo Local Government Area, with additional suspected cases identified in Araromi Obu and Oniparaga communities. The areas have been placed under active surveillance as authorities work to track the spread of the illness.
The state government says the response effort involves the Ministry of Health, local government authorities, traditional institutions, security agencies, and regulatory bodies including the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, and the World Health Organisation, WHO.
Ajaka explained that response teams have been deployed to affected communities to conduct case searches, investigate possible causes, document affected persons, and provide medical support for those who survived. He added that selected deaths are also being reviewed through verbal autopsy to help determine the circumstances surrounding the fatalities.
Three patients are currently receiving medical attention, while 27 others remain under observation, according to the state health commissioner. Officials say the ongoing surveillance is aimed at identifying new cases early and ensuring timely intervention.
Health authorities are urging residents in the affected areas to cooperate with medical teams and report any suspected symptoms promptly as investigations continue. The government says findings from the ongoing collaboration with health and regulatory agencies will guide further measures to protect communities and prevent a recurrence.
