The Ondo State Government has confirmed the deaths of 29 people and 60 suspected cases linked to the consumption of poisonous substances and alcoholic products in parts of Odigbo Local Government Area of the state.

The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka, disclosed this on Friday night in Akure while addressing a press conference on the incident.

Ajaka said 95 per cent of those affected were males aged between 16 and 55, with cases reported mainly in Orita Odigbo, Araromi-Obu, Newtown, Odole, Okele and Oniparaga communities.

He urged residents and community leaders to promptly report unusual illnesses and sudden deaths to health authorities to enable the government to respond quickly to suspected cases.

According to the commissioner, affected persons presented symptoms including headache, body pain, weakness, visual disturbances, difficulty in breathing and altered consciousness.

He noted that some of the patients deteriorated rapidly after developing the symptoms.

Ajaka warned residents against consuming alcoholic products obtained from unlicensed sources and advised anyone who develops unusual symptoms after consuming alcohol to seek immediate medical attention.

He said, “The pattern of illness and reported history of exposure have raised strong epidemiological suspicion of exposure to a probable toxic alcoholic substance.”

“However, we are yet to have laboratory evidence of the cause of the deaths,” the commissioner added.

The government has collected 36 blood and urine samples for laboratory analysis, while samples of the suspected alcoholic substances have also been submitted for toxicological investigations.

Ajaka said the investigations were being conducted in collaboration with relevant regulatory and security agencies, adding that several suspects had been taken into custody.

GOVT BANS LOCAL ALCOHOL PRODUCTION, SALE

As part of measures to prevent further deaths, the Ondo State Government has imposed a temporary ban on the production and sale of locally brewed alcoholic drinks and alcoholic herbal beverages in the affected local government area.

The commissioner said three people were currently receiving treatment in hospitals, while 27 others remained under medical observation.

He assured residents that the government was working with relevant national and international partners to determine the cause of the deaths and prevent further loss of lives.

Ajaka also urged residents experiencing blurred vision, breathing difficulties, sudden weakness, confusion or loss of consciousness after consuming alcohol to seek urgent medical attention.

He called on community leaders and residents to cooperate with health authorities and promptly report suspected cases as investigations into the outbreak continue.