The Canadian government has warned its citizens in Nigeria to exercise caution when consuming alcoholic drinks following reports of deaths linked to suspected methanol-contaminated beverages.
In a travel advisory issued on Tuesday, September 22, Canadian authorities said casualties had been recorded in Nigeria after people consumed unregulated and adulterated alcohol containing high levels of methanol.
The advisory urged Canadians to purchase alcoholic drinks only from reputable establishments and seek medical attention immediately if they begin to feel unwell after drinking.
The warning comes amid a reported outbreak in Ondo State involving suspected poisonous alcoholic beverages.
The Ondo State Government previously confirmed 49 deaths and 170 suspected cases connected to the consumption of locally brewed alcoholic drinks in parts of the state.
Health authorities have linked the symptoms reported by affected persons to possible exposure to a toxic substance, including visual problems, difficulty breathing, weakness and altered consciousness. However, officials have stressed that laboratory confirmation of the specific substance responsible was still pending in the earlier stages of the investigation.
Methanol is a highly toxic form of alcohol that can cause serious poisoning, including blindness, organ damage and death.
Canadian authorities have therefore advised citizens travelling or living in Nigeria to avoid unregulated alcoholic products and take precautions when consuming alcohol.
The warning follows ongoing investigations by Nigerian authorities into the suspected toxic-drink cases, with law enforcement agencies also investigating the source and distribution of the affected beverages.
