The death toll from suspected toxic herbal concoctions in Ondo State has risen to 49, with about 182 people affected across three local government areas.

The state government says the outbreak has raised fresh concerns over the dangers of unregulated herbal drinks, as investigations continue into what caused the deaths.

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, has now confirmed high concentrations of methanol in some of the locally prepared alcoholic and herbal concoctions linked to the incident.

According to NAFDAC, five victims have been left completely blind, while two others suffered partial blindness. The agency says 90 affected persons have been treated and discharged, while six remain hospitalised.

NAFDAC says 15 unlabelled samples were tested, with 11 also testing positive for Cannabis indica. It says confirmatory tests are still ongoing to determine the exact concentration of methanol and identify other possible toxic substances.

The agency has warned Nigerians against consuming unlicensed or locally prepared herbal and alcoholic drinks with unknown contents, while 15 people have reportedly been arrested over the production, sale and distribution of the implicated beverages.