Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has warned Nigerians against the consumption of unlabelled and unregistered alcoholic and herbal concoctions following the deaths of at least 48 people in Ondo from suspected methanol poisoning.
The association said over 182 people had been affected by the consumption of an adulterated alcoholic and herbal concoction popularly known as “Monkey Tail” in Odigbo, Irele and neighbouring local government areas of the state.
In a statement signed by the Chairman, NMA–NAFDAC Liaison Committee, Dr Azim Adekunle Ashimi, made available to newsmen in Abeokuta on Tuesday, the association said five victims had been rendered permanently blind. In contrast, two others suffered partial loss of vision.
ALSO READ: 2027 elections won’t build new Nigeria without functional systems — Sam Adeyemi
The NMA said laboratory findings by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) confirmed high concentrations of methanol and Cannabis indica in samples collected from the implicated beverages.
Ashimi explained that methanol is an industrial solvent which, when ingested, is converted by the liver into formic acid, a toxic substance capable of causing irreversible blindness, severe metabolic acidosis, multi-organ failure and death.
NMA, therefore, urged healthcare providers to maintain a high index of suspicion when treating patients who develop sudden visual impairment, unexplained metabolic acidosis or altered consciousness after consuming alcoholic drinks or herbal mixtures.
The NMA also called for prompt medical intervention, including resuscitation, correction of metabolic acidosis and appropriate antidote therapy, as well as urgent haemodialysis where indicated.
It further demanded a comprehensive crackdown on informal distilleries, illegal herbal mixture blenders and open-market distribution networks, noting that 15 suspects had already been arrested by security agencies.
The Body also called for a sustained nationwide public enlightenment campaign against unlabelled and unregistered alcoholic beverages, including locally mixed drinks and unverified herbal bitters.
The NMA urged government agencies to strengthen controls over the supply of toxic industrial chemicals such as methanol to prevent their diversion into beverage production.
The association commiserated with families of the deceased and urged anyone experiencing sudden vision changes, severe headache, or breathing difficulty after consuming any drink to seek immediate medical attention.
WATCH TOP VIDEOS FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE TV