Ondo health authorities intensify treatment, investigation as death toll rises
AKURE — Sixty people are still receiving treatment in hospitals in Ondo State following the consumption of a suspected poisonous herbal drink that has reportedly claimed 29 lives.
The Ondo State Commissioner for Health confirmed the number of patients still hospitalised as health authorities continue to respond to the outbreak and monitor those affected.
The incident has triggered serious public health concerns across the state, with officials working to determine the exact substance responsible for the deaths and illnesses.
According to the commissioner, medical personnel are continuing to provide treatment to affected residents, while authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the preparation, distribution and consumption of the suspected contaminated drink.
The rising death toll has heightened anxiety in affected communities, particularly as dozens of people remain under medical observation. Authorities are expected to closely monitor the condition of those hospitalised as efforts continue to prevent further fatalities.
Health officials have also urged residents to exercise extreme caution over the consumption of locally prepared herbal mixtures, particularly drinks obtained from sources where the ingredients, preparation methods and safety standards cannot be verified.
The tragedy has renewed concerns about the largely informal production and sale of herbal preparations and locally brewed drinks, some of which are produced without adequate regulatory oversight or laboratory testing.
Authorities are expected to trace the source of the suspected poisonous drink and establish whether contamination, toxic ingredients or improper preparation was responsible for the outbreak.
With 29 people reported dead and 60 others still hospitalised, the incident has emerged as a major public health emergency in Ondo State, as families await further information on the condition of their loved ones and the outcome of the investigation.
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