Five tourists have died in a popular backpackers town in Laos, allegedly after drinking alcohol contaminated with methanolsaid the UK press.
Simone White, a 28-year-old lawyer from Kent, southeast England, was identified as the fifth victim by the British media on Thursday night. The UK Foreign Office has confirmed it is supporting the family of a British woman who died in Laos, without revealing her identity.
The other victims are two Danes, an Australian and an American, according to their respective governments, which did not specify the causes of death.
Laos begins testing a national digital currency
On Thursday, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced in parliament the death of 19-year-old Bianca Jones and acknowledged that another young woman of the same age, Holly Bowles, was ”fighting for her life”.
The two tourists, originally from Melbourne, started feeling ill at the Nana Backpackers guesthouse, in Vang Vieng, where they were staying, according to Australian media. The hotel staff took them to the hospital on 13 November.
According to press reports, a dozen tourists fell ill on 12 Novemberafter a night out in Vang Vieng and several people were hospitalized in neighboring Thailand.
Vang Vieng is a town in northwestern Laos that was once known for jungle parties popular with young visitors, but has recently tried to change its image as an ecotourism destination.
Authorities in several Western countries regularly warn their citizens about the risks of methanol poisoning when drinking alcohol in Laos.
Methanol is an alcohol used to make antifreeze, windshield, varnish or photocopying ink. It can be added to drinks to increase the alcohol level and reduce the price, but it can cause blindness, liver damage and death.
How can travelers ensure they are consuming safe alcohol while backpacking in foreign countries?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Methanol Poisoning Expert
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome, Dr. Emily Stanton, an expert in toxicology and the health impacts of contaminated substances. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the tragic recent incidents in Laos.
Dr. Emily Stanton (ES): Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here, though the circumstances are deeply unfortunate.
TNE: As reported, five tourists have died in a backpacking town in Laos, allegedly from drinking alcohol contaminated with methanol. What exactly is methanol, and why is it dangerous?
ES: Methanol is a type of alcohol that is used industrially, often in antifreeze products, solvents, and fuel. It’s highly toxic to humans; even small amounts can lead to severe health issues and can be fatal. Unlike ethanol—the alcohol found in beverages—methanol is not safe for consumption. It metabolizes in the body into formaldehyde and formic acid, which can cause metabolic acidosis and damage to the optic nerve, potentially leading to blindness or death.
TNE: We learned that one of the victims was Simone White, a 28-year-old lawyer from the UK. Can you explain how such tragedies might occur, especially in tourist areas?
ES: Unfortunately, in many countries, especially those popular with backpackers, there might be a lack of regulation regarding alcohol production and sales. Sometimes, counterfeit or poorly made spirits contain methanol, which is cheaper and sometimes used to increase potency. Tourists, often unaware of the risks, may consume these dangerous beverages, thinking they are safe.
TNE: What preventative measures could be taken by both local authorities and travelers to reduce the risk of methanol poisoning?
ES: Local authorities need to enforce strict regulations on alcohol production and sales, conduct regular quality checks, and educate local vendors. On the other hand, travelers should ensure that they buy alcohol from reputable sources—certain brands or well-known establishments. Recognizing the signs of methanol poisoning is also important; symptoms can include headaches, dizziness, nausea, and visual disturbances, and anyone experiencing these after drinking should seek medical attention immediately.
TNE: There’s a mounting concern regarding the safety of tourists traveling to regions with less stringent regulations. What responsibilities do governments have in ensuring tourist safety?
ES: Governments have a critical responsibility to protect public health, particularly for visitors who may not be familiar with local risks. This includes regulating industries that directly impact health—like the food and beverage sector—as well as providing adequate public health information and emergency services. Ensuring safe drinking conditions should be a priority, not just for tourists’ safety, but also for local citizens.
TNE: Given the prevalence of backpacking culture, are there any international organizations intervening in these sorts of situations?
ES: Yes, organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) often create guidelines for safe food and beverage practices, particularly in regions heavily reliant on tourism. However, implementation varies greatly based on local governance. International awareness and collaboration are key to resolving these issues effectively.
TNE: As a closing thought, what message would you like to convey to travelers who may be unaware of the dangers posed by contaminated alcohol?
ES: I’d like to remind travelers that while exploring new cultures and trying local drinks is part of the adventure, it’s crucial to prioritize safety. Always research the places you’re visiting, stay informed about potential risks, and be cautious of where you buy and consume alcohol. It’s better to be safe than to risk your health or life.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Stanton, for sharing your valuable insights. It’s a sobering reminder of the importance of safety when traveling abroad.
ES: Thank you for the opportunity to speak on this critical issue.
TNE: Stay safe, everyone, and until next time, stay informed.