Methanol-Tainted Local Brew Kills 48 in Nigeria's Ondo State
So, over the weekend, Nigeria's NAFDAC revealed some pretty alarming news: 48 people have died and 182 more are sick after drinking locally made alcohol tainted with methanol in Ondo state, which is in the southwest part of the country. These deaths happened over the last few weeks in three different districts. The contaminated drink is referred to as "Monkey Tail." Methanol is really dangerous and can cause severe organ damage and even blindness. NAFDAC reported that five people lost their sight completely, while two others have partial vision loss. Authorities have arrested 15 people involved in making and selling this dangerous beverage, highlighting ongoing health risks from unregulated alcohol in the region.
Key facts
- 48 people died after drinking methanol-tainted locally brewed alcohol in Ondo state, Nigeria.
- 182 people became ill from the same contaminated beverage.
- The deaths occurred in three districts of southwestern Ondo state over recent weeks.
- Local media called the drink "Monkey Tail."
- Methanol is highly toxic and causes death by organ failure and blindness.
- Five people were totally blinded and two partially lost their sight, per NAFDAC.
- Fifteen people were arrested over the production and sale of the beverage.
- The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) announced the figures on Saturday.
Entities
Institutions
- National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC)
Locations
- Ondo state
- Nigeria