At least 48 dead in Nigeria after consuming drink suspected to contain methanol, authorities say

Live updates

1. 1h ago

   At least 48 dead in Nigeria from methanol-tainted drink

   The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) reports at least 48 deaths in Ondo State after people consumed a local herbal concoction suspected to contain methanol. Some reports place the death toll at 49. In addition to the fatalities, 182 people were affected, with around 100 currently receiving medical treatment in southern Nigeria. The toxic brew is identified as a drink called Monkey Tail. Authorities are investigating the source of the contamination that led to the mass poisoning.

   Why it matters

   Methanol is a toxic alcohol that can cause blindness or death if ingested. The consumption of unregulated local brews poses a recurring public health risk in various regions of Nigeria.

   What is confirmed

   • The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control reported 48 deaths linked to a suspected methanol-tainted drink.
   • The poisoning occurred in Ondo State in southern Nigeria.
   • Approximately 100 people are receiving treatment for the poisoning.
   • The drink involved is a local herbal concoction.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The death toll has risen to 49.
   • The specific drink responsible is called Monkey Tail.
   • A total of 182 people were affected by the consumption of the drink.

   What to watch next

   • Official confirmation of the final death toll
   • Identification of the producers or distributors of the Monkey Tail drink
   • NAFDAC reports on the specific source of the methanol contamination
   Sources used for this update (8)

   1. AP News — At least 48 dead in Nigeria after consuming drink suspected to contain methanol, authorities say
   2. The Guardian — Almost 50 dead in Nigeria after drinking alcohol suspected to contain methanol
   3. Firstpost — 'One Sip Destroys Life': Nigeria’s ‘Monkey Tail’ Drink Leaves at Least 49 Dead | Firstpost Africa
   4. medpagetoday.com — 48 Deaths Linked to Local Brew; Lancet Staff Strike; RFK Jr. Targets 5G Radiation
   5. kiprinform.com — Suspected Methanol Poisoning Death Toll in Ondo Rises to 49
   6. www.ntd.com — At Least 48 Dead in Nigeria After Consuming Drink Suspected to Contain Methanol, Authorities Say
   7. ait.live — Methanol Detected In Concoction That Killed 48 People In Ondo State
   8. therealmediang.com — Toxic Local Herbal Concoction Claims 48 Lives in Ondo — NAFDAC
   confidence 90%