Authorities in several Western countries regularly warn their citizens about the risks of methanol poisoning when drinking alcohol in Laos
Police are detaining the manager and owner of a hostel in Laos where two Australian teenagers stayed who allegedly died after drinking alcohol contaminated with methanol, according to police authorities.
The British press reported on Thursday night that five tourists died in a popular backpacker town in Laos, allegedly after alcohol spiked with methanol, but meanwhile an Australian teenager who was in a serious condition died, bringing the number to six deaths.
A Vang Vieng tourist policeman, who declined to be named, said today that “several people” have been arrested in the case but no charges have yet been laid.
Staff at Nana Backpacker Hostel, which was still operating but not accepting new guests, confirmed that the manager and owner were among those being held for questioning.
The US State Department today issued a health alert for citizens traveling in Laos, warning of “suspected methanol poisoning in Vang Vieng, possibly through consumption of alcoholic beverages containing methanol”, following similar warnings from countries another .
Australia’s Prime Minister announced Thursday that a 19-year-old citizen died in a Thai hospital and that her friend remained in hospital “fighting for her life”, also dying.
A 28-year-old British woman also died from suspected methanol poisoning in Laos, according to the British Foreign Office.
An American tourist and two Danish tourists also died, although details of the cause of death were not released.
According to media reports, a dozen tourists fell ill on November 12 after a night out in Vang Vieng and several 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.
Methanol is an alcohol used to make antifreeze, windshield washer fluid, varnish or photocopier 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 countries improve alcohol regulation to prevent methanol poisoning incidents?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Dr. Sarah Thompson, Toxicology Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Dr. Thompson. Thank you for joining us today. We’ve been following some troubling news coming out of Laos, particularly concerning methanol poisoning related to contaminated alcohol. Can you provide some insight into why this issue is so critical?
Dr. Sarah Thompson: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here. Methanol poisoning is a serious health concern, especially in areas popular with tourists where unsafe alcohol might be sold. Methanol is a type of alcohol that is toxic to humans and can cause severe organ damage or death if ingested.
Time.news Editor: The reports indicate that six tourists, including Australians, have tragically died after allegedly consuming alcohol contaminated with methanol. What can you tell us about how methanol gets into alcoholic beverages?
Dr. Sarah Thompson: Methanol is often found in poorly regulated or illicitly produced spirits. In many cases, it’s inadvertently produced during the fermentation process. However, in more alarming scenarios, methanol is deliberately added to increase the alcohol content inexpensively. This practice can be especially hazardous in regions where alcohol production is not closely monitored.
Time.news Editor: Given the risks involved, why do you think authorities in Western countries are regularly warning their citizens about this when traveling to places like Laos?
Dr. Sarah Thompson: It’s essential to raise awareness regarding methanol poisoning because tourist populations may not be familiar with the local regulations and safety standards concerning alcohol production. These warnings serve to educate travelers so they can make informed choices and avoid dangerous situations.
Time.news Editor: In light of this recent incident, what actions do you think authorities should take to address this issue in Laos?
Dr. Sarah Thompson: First, there should be a concerted effort to strengthen the regulation of alcohol production and sales. Authorities must conduct lapses in oversight and aim for increased transparency in alcoholic beverages sold in tourist areas. Additionally, public health campaigns can educate locals and tourists alike about the signs of methanol poisoning and encourage safe drinking practices.
Time.news Editor: The article mentions that the police have detained the manager and owner of the hostel where these unfortunate events transpired. What implications does this have for accountability in such situations?
Dr. Sarah Thompson: Detaining individuals in such cases is a necessary step towards accountability. It signals that authorities are taking these incidents seriously. However, it’s crucial that investigations are thorough and fair, and if negligence or malfeasance is found, appropriate legal repercussions need to follow to deter similar future incidents.
Time.news Editor: What advice would you give to travelers heading to destinations with known risks of methanol poisoning?
Dr. Sarah Thompson: Travelers should stick to reputable brands and avoid consuming any locally produced spirits without fully understanding their safety. Researching local laws and regulations regarding alcohol can also be beneficial. If in doubt, it’s better to abstain from drinking altogether or select verified alcohol sources, such as licensed bars or establishments with good reviews.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Thompson, for your expert insights on this critical health issue. It’s crucial that both tourists and local authorities take necessary precautions to prevent such tragedies from happening in the future.
Dr. Sarah Thompson: Thank you for having me. Awareness and education are key in mitigating these risks and ensuring the safety of all travelers.