The Foreign Office has urged caution following the deaths of travellers in Laos (Image: Getty)
The has issued a fresh warning for four countries in Asia that are popular with British holidaymakers following the deaths of six tourists. Travellers have been urged to take caution if visiting these spots, after alcoholic drinks containing methanol led to fatalities in Laos earlier this month.
As reported by , the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has provided new information on methanol poisoning in Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos.
In new travel guidance for Thailand, the FCDO told holidaymakers: “Alcoholic drinks containing methanol have killed people and caused serious illness.
“There is a risk of methanol poisoning from home-brewed alcohol or counterfeit replicas of well-known alcohol brands. Affected drinks may include local spirits, including rice wine, spirit-based mixed drinks such as cocktails and counterfeit brand-name spirits.”
It comes after two Danish citizens, an American, a Briton and two Australians died after becoming ill after a night out in Vang Vieng. The deaths were suspected to be caused by methanol – a toxic, flavourless and colourless substance commonly added to bootleg alcohol.
Health experts shared some of the key signs of methanol poisoning to spot (Image: Getty)
Eight workers at the Nana Backpacker Hostel in Vang Vieng were detained for investigation after the incidents.
A third Australian also fell ill, and is understood to be in a stable condition.
The Laos Government has promised “to bring the perpetrators to justice” and expressed “sincere sympathy and deepest condolences” to the families of those who died in a statement on Saturday, its first acknowledgement of the deaths.
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In its warning, the FCDO also advised to protect yourself from methanol poisoning, saying you should:
- Buy alcoholic drinks only from licensed liquor stores, bars, clubs, restaurants, and hotels
- Avoid home-made alcoholic drinks
- Check bottle seals are intact
- Check labels for poor print quality or incorrect spelling
- If the label, smell or taste seems wrong, do not drink the alcohol
“Seek urgent medical attention if you or someone you are travelling with show signs of methanol poisoning,” it added.
According to , symptoms of methanol poisoning can be similar to those of alcohol poisoning and may include:
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness or fatigue (feeling very tired)
- Vomiting
- Changes in vision, including not being able to see, blurred vision or difficulty looking at bright lights
- Abdominal and muscle pain