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Paul Obi in Abuja
The death of the 18 people in Ondo State in a mysterious circumstance has been linked to a local gin that was contaminated with poisonous material (methanol).
Minister of State for Health, Fidelis Nwankwo, stated this at a media briefing in Abuja, on Monday.
He said : "At this stage, the particular poisonous substance (Toxin) is being ascertained. The Results of these detailed investigations currently being conducted by Government and partners are still being awaited and will be made public as soon as possible."
Also, the World Health Organization (WHO) has denied ever issuing any statement on the mysterious deaths.
According to the minister, "Epidemiological findings indicate a strong linkage of the outbreak with the consumption of a local gin that may have been contaminated with methanol (poisonous material).
"The assuring news however, is that NO new cases have been reported in the past 100 hours and no new mortality in the last 72 hours.
"We therefore believe that the situation is under control and that the stability will be sustained, while active case search and contact tracing continue in earnest.
"However, if any suspected case is found, it should be reported to the nearest Health Center for prompt investigation and treatment."
While noting that preliminary laboratory investigations indicate that the outbreak cannot be attributed to any infectious organism (Bacterial or Viral). Nwankwo further said that the outbreak was also clearly not due to Ebola Virus Disease, as feared by many.