The Canadian government has warned its citizens in Nigeria to exercise caution when consuming alcohol following an outbreak linked to suspected methanol-contaminated drinks in Ondo State.
In an updated travel advisory, Canadian officials warned that casualties have occurred in Nigeria after people consumed unregulated and adulterated alcohol containing high levels of methanol.
The advisory urged Canadians to buy alcoholic drinks only from reputable establishments and seek medical attention if they begin to feel sick after drinking.
The warning comes after a deadly outbreak in Ondo State, where 48 deaths and 182 cases of illness had been recorded as of September 17, according to Nigeria’s National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
Canada issues alcohol warning
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The Canadian government included the warning under the health and safety section of its travel advice for Nigeria.
According to the advisory, travellers should be particularly cautious about unregulated alcohol because of the risk of methanol contamination.
Canadian officials advised citizens to purchase alcohol from reputable establishments and seek medical assistance if they develop symptoms after consuming alcohol.
The warning does not mean that all alcoholic drinks in Nigeria are contaminated. Instead, it highlights the reported risks associated with unregulated and adulterated alcoholic products.
48 people reportedly died in Ondo
The Canadian warning follows a serious outbreak in parts of Ondo State.
NAFDAC reported that 182 cases had been recorded in affected communities, with 48 deaths confirmed as of September 17.
The affected areas are mainly in Odigbo Local Government Area, including New Town, Odole, Okele, Orita Odigbo, Araromi-Obu, Oniparaga and Odigbo town. Cases were also reported in Irele Local Government Area.
NAFDAC said 90 people had been admitted to hospitals and later discharged, while 31 were treated as outpatients and six remained hospitalised at the time of its update.
The agency also reported serious complications among some victims, including blindness. Five people were reportedly totally blind, while two others suffered partial blindness.
Methanol found in suspected drinks
Laboratory investigations have provided further information about the outbreak.
NAFDAC reported that samples collected from affected communities contained high concentrations of methanol. The agency also said 11 of the 15 samples tested positive for Cannabis indica.
Methanol is a toxic form of alcohol that can cause severe poisoning when consumed. Reported symptoms in affected people included headaches, weakness, body pain, visual disturbances, difficulty breathing and altered consciousness.
Some victims reportedly deteriorated rapidly after consuming the suspected drinks.
What caused the outbreak?
Authorities have been investigating the source of the contamination.
Reports have linked the illnesses to locally prepared alcoholic and herbal concoctions consumed in affected communities. Some residents reportedly suspected a locally produced alcoholic herbal drink known as “Monkey Tail,” although investigations were continuing to establish exactly how the methanol entered the drinks.
The incident has raised concerns about the dangers associated with poorly regulated alcoholic products, particularly those produced and sold outside established commercial channels.
Fifteen people were reportedly arrested in connection with the toxic drink investigation, according to reports citing Ondo State police.
Canadians urged to seek medical help
The Canadian government is advising citizens already in Nigeria or planning to travel there to take precautions when consuming alcohol.
Its updated Nigeria travel advisory states that people should purchase alcohol from reputable establishments and seek medical attention if they start feeling unwell after drinking.
The warning comes as Nigerian authorities continue investigating the Ondo outbreak and working to prevent additional illnesses and deaths.
The Canadian advisory also remains broader than the alcohol warning, with the government currently advising Canadians to avoid non-essential travel to Nigeria because of security concerns, while recommending a high degree of caution in Lagos and Calabar.
For now, health officials continue to monitor the affected communities as investigations into the contaminated drinks proceed.
