The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has warned Nigerians against consuming unlabelled and unregistered alcoholic drinks and herbal mixtures following a suspected methanol poisoning outbreak that has claimed at least 48 lives in Ondo State.
The association disclosed that more than 182 people had been affected after consuming an adulterated alcoholic and herbal concoction popularly known as “Monkey Tail” in Odigbo, Irele and neighbouring local government areas.
The warning comes amid findings by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), which detected high concentrations of methanol in samples of the suspected drinks.
Eleven of 15 samples analysed also tested positive for Cannabis indica, according to the agency.
In a statement made available to journalists in Abeokuta on Tuesday, the NMA said five victims had been rendered totally blind, while two others suffered partial loss of vision.
The statement was signed by Dr Azim Adekunle Ashimi, Chairman of the NMA-NAFDAC Liaison Committee.
NMA explains dangers of methanol
Ashimi explained that methanol is an industrial solvent that becomes highly toxic when ingested, as the liver converts it into formic acid.
According to him, the toxic substance can cause irreversible blindness, severe metabolic acidosis, multiple organ failure and death.
The association urged healthcare providers to maintain a high index of suspicion when attending to patients who develop sudden visual impairment, unexplained metabolic acidosis or altered consciousness after consuming alcoholic beverages or herbal mixtures.
It stressed the need for prompt medical intervention, including resuscitation, correction of metabolic acidosis and appropriate antidote therapy.
The association also recommended urgent haemodialysis where medically indicated to manage severe cases of methanol poisoning.
15 suspects arrested
NAFDAC’s investigation into the suspected poisoning has led to the arrest of 15 people over the production, sale and distribution of the implicated beverages.
The regulator has warned Nigerians against purchasing or consuming unlicensed, unregistered and locally prepared alcoholic or herbal concoctions whose ingredients and composition cannot be verified.
NMA called for a comprehensive crackdown on informal distilleries, illegal herbal mixture blenders and open-market distribution networks involved in the production and circulation of potentially dangerous beverages.
It further urged the government to strengthen controls over the supply of toxic industrial chemicals, particularly methanol, to prevent their diversion into the production of alcoholic drinks.
Association urges nationwide public awareness
The medical association called for a sustained nationwide public enlightenment campaign to educate Nigerians about the dangers of consuming unlabelled and unregistered alcoholic beverages, locally mixed drinks and unverified herbal bitters.
It said stronger enforcement and public awareness were necessary to prevent further exposure to toxic substances and protect consumers.
NMA also commiserated with the families of those who died in the outbreak, while urging members of the public to seek immediate medical attention if they experience sudden vision changes, severe headaches, or breathing difficulties after consuming any alcoholic drink or herbal concoction.
The warning follows the ongoing investigation into the outbreak, which has affected communities across Ondo State, with health authorities continuing surveillance and measures to prevent further cases.
