TOXIC ALCOHOL CRISIS SPREADS TO IRELE AS DEATH TOLL RISES TO 37

The Ondo State Government says the health crisis linked to suspected toxic alcoholic substances has spread to Irele Local Government Area, with eight new deaths recorded and about 170 people affected across the areas where cases have been reported.

Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka, disclosed this in an interview with NAN, on Wednesday September 16, saying Irele had become the latest area facing a serious outbreak. He said response teams had already been deployed to assess the situation and provide medical assistance to affected residents.

Ajaka had earlier confirmed 29 deaths in communities in Odigbo Local Government Area, with several other residents receiving treatment in hospitals. He attributed the crisis to the consumption of ethanol and said health officials and other stakeholders were working to prevent its spread to additional communities.

The commissioner urged residents to remain vigilant and avoid consuming unverified or potentially harmful alcoholic substances. The state government has also banned the sale of unverified alcoholic drinks across Ondo State as part of measures to contain the crisis and prevent further deaths.