Death toll from suspected consumption of alcoholic and herbal concoctions in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State has risen to 29, with 60 suspected cases recorded.
Commissioner for Health, Banji Ajaka, disclosed this at the weekend while briefing journalists in his office in Akure, the state capital.
According to the Commissioner, three affected persons are currently receiving treatment in health facilities, while 27 others are under observation.
Ajaka said about 95 per cent of those affected are males, with ages ranging from 16 to 55 years.
He disclosed that 36 biological specimens, including blood and urine samples, have been collected from affected persons and submitted for laboratory analysis to determine the cause of the illness and deaths.
The Commissioner reaffirmed the ban on the local production and sale of locally brewed alcoholic and alcoholic-herbal beverages in Odigbo Local Government Area as a precautionary measure.
The state government also appealed to community leaders and residents to promptly report unusual illnesses and sudden deaths to health authorities to facilitate rapid investigation and prevent further loss of lives.
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Editor: Nkoli Omhoudu
