The Ondo State Government has issued a critical public health alert following a sudden outbreak of illnesses and fatalities linked to suspected methanol poisoning from contaminated locally distilled alcohol (Ogogoro / Paraga).
The affected areas primarily cover parts of the Ondo South Senatorial District, including Irele, Odigbo, and surrounding Local Government Areas (LGAs).
In a statement released on Saturday, September 19, 2026, the Special Adviser on Health to the Governor, Prof. Simidele Odimayo, confirmed that surveillance teams from the State Ministry of Health and the Hospitals Management Board have been deployed to the affected communities to collect samples for laboratory analysis and contain the situation.
*Key Highlights & Public Directives*Immediate Consumption & Sale Ban: Citizens are strongly advised to immediately stop consuming locally brewed gin from unknown sources, roadside vendors, open jerrycans, or unlabelled bottles. Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has ordered a state-wide prohibition on all unregistered alcoholic beverages.
Law Enforcement Enforcement: Security agencies have been instructed to seal premises and confiscate all unapproved alcoholic products across the state.Strict Reporting on Deaths: Community members in Ilaje, Ese-Odo, Irele, Okitipupa, Odigbo, and Oke-Igbo are instructed not to conduct burials without notifying health officials if the deceased showed symptoms of alcohol poisoning prior to death.
*Warning Signs of Methanol Poisoning*Methanol is highly toxic, and ingestion can lead to organ failure, permanent blindness, or death within hours. Symptoms typically manifest 12 to 24 hours after consumption:✓Visual Disturbances: Sudden weakness, blurred vision, double vision, or complete blindness.
✓Neurological Signs: Severe headache, dizziness, confusion, drowsiness, seizures, or collapse.
✓Gastrointestinal & Respiratory Issues: Severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or fast, deep breathing (Kussmaul breathing).
Crucial Warning: Do not attempt home remedies such as administering palm oil, milk, herbal concoctions, or inducing vomiting, as these can worsen the patient’s condition. Seek emergency medical care at the nearest hospital or Primary Health Centre (PHC) immediately.
*Government Emergency Response & Contact Lines*The Ondo State Government has prepositioned antidotes and hemodialysis consumables at General Hospital Irele, General Hospital Okitipupa, and the State Specialist Hospital Okitipupa, with additional medical supplies being dispatched from Akure. Early hemodialysis support is available through the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital (UNIMEDTH), Ondo.
State Emergency Hotline: *08055300300* (or contact your local LGA Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer).
*Directives for Healthcare Providers*The Ministry of Health has directed all doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and Community Health Officers (CHOs) across Ondo South to activate immediate poisoning protocols:Triage & Stabilization: Treat suspect cases as critical emergencies (ABC protocol, IV access, oxygen). Do not delay primary care or referral while waiting for laboratory results.
Antidote Protocol: Administer specific antidotes (Fomepizole or ethanol) strictly under specialist/consultant guidance. If unavailable, stabilize and refer immediately.
Acidosis Management: Use sodium bicarbonate for severe metabolic acidosis (\text{pH} < 7.3) under medical supervision.
Mandatory Reporting & Evidence: Report all suspected cases via the IDSR 002 form to the LGA Disease Surveillance Officer and State Epidemiologist. Preserve blood, urine, and drink samples in a cold chain for investigation.
