Drinking locally produced alcohol is common in Nigeria, particularly in rural areas, where it is often inexpensive and subject to less stringent controls. This was reported by Associated Press, according to The Guardian.
Suspicion in the current case has focused in part on the strong herbal drink Monkey Tail. Local residents told AP that the drink may have been mixed with methanol.
According to AP, a local vendor said there are different versions of Monkey Tail. One is considered safe, while another may be dangerous.
Many people affected
The cases have been recorded in the Odigbo and Irele areas of Ondo state. According to the state's health commissioner, Banji Ajaka, 182 people have been affected.
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Several people are being treated in hospital. Ajaka told AP that the suspected alcohol can quickly cause serious damage to the kidneys, eyesight and brain, among other things.
Police have also arrested 15 people. According to police spokesperson Abayomi Jimoh, one of them is suspected of having been involved in the production of substances that may contain methanol.
Death toll rises
According to AP, local media reported the first death nearly two weeks before the authorities released their latest figures.
The serious scale of the case has now become clear. At least 48 people have died after drinking the locally produced alcohol, while around 100 people are still receiving treatment.
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This article is made and published by Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk, who may have used AI in the preparation.