Suspected methanol poisoning in Laos has claimed the lives of five tourists in the town of Vang Vieng.
Among the deceased are Simone White, a 28-year-old British lawyer, Bianca Jones, a 19-year-old Australian, two Danish women aged 19 and 20, and an unidentified American man.
Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles, victims of the Laos methanol poisoning tragedy.
(Image: Beaumaris Football Club via Facebook)
Authorities believe the victims consumed alcohol contaminated with methanol, a toxic substance commonly found in counterfeit spirits.
Tainted Drinks Suspected in Laos After Five Tourists Die
The backpacking town of Vang Vieng, Laos, is at the centre of a tragic methanol poisoning case. Over the past week, five tourists have died, and others remain hospitalised after consuming tainted alcoholic drinks.
Reports suggest the victims consumed methanol-laced spirits at local hostels and bars. Methanol, often used in counterfeit liquors to boost alcohol content, can be fatal even in small amounts, causing nausea, vision loss, organ failure, and death.
The hostel manager has denied that the spirits served at his establishment were tainted, stating that the alcohol came from a certified supplier. Nevertheless, police have launched an investigation, closing the hostel and confiscating bottles for testing.
This is not the first time methanol poisoning has happened. Earlier in 2024, over 50 people in India died after consuming methanol-laced alcoholic beverages. Similar cases of mass poisoning have also been reported over the years in Indonesia, Philippines, and across the world.
How Does Methanol Poisoning Happen?
Methanol is a toxic substance commonly found in industrial solvents, antifreeze, and some household products. It can get into alcoholic beverages in a few ways.
Traditional brewing methods may inadvertently generate methanol, depending on the materials used in the process of fermentation. Sometimes, it is added deliberately and illegally as a way to increase the alcohol content in a drink.
What Happens When You Ingest Methanol?
Once methanol enters the body, it is absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract and processed by the liver. Here, enzymes such as alcohol dehydrogenase convert methanol into formaldehyde.
Formaldehyde is then rapidly metabolised into formic acid, which is responsible for the majority of methanol’s toxic effects. Formic acid interferes with mitochondrial function, leading to a buildup of lactic acid and metabolic acidosis, a dangerous condition where the blood becomes excessively acidic.
Symptoms of Methanol Poisoning
The symptoms of methanol poisoning often begin subtly and progress over hours or even days. Early signs include headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. These non-specific signs can be mistaken for less serious conditions.
As the poisoning advances, more severe symptoms emerge, including confusion and difficulty breathing. In extreme cases, methanol poisoning can result in seizures, coma, or death. Drinking just 25-90 mL of methanol can be fatal if not treated in time.
A unique feature of methanol poisoning is its effect on vision. Methanol’s metabolites are particularly toxic to the optic nerve, leading to visual disturbances often described as “snowstorm” vision. The patient may experience blurred vision and partial or complete blindness, If untreated, this blindness can be irreversible.
Treating Methanol Poisoning
Treatment typically involves administering ethanol or fomepizole, which compete with methanol for the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase, slowing the production of toxic by-products. Haemodialysis is also used to remove methanol and formic acid from the bloodstream.
Early recognition of methanol poisoning and prompt treatment is important. This significantly improve outcomes for individuals exposed to methanol.
Safety Advice for Avoiding Methanol Poisoning Overseas
Methanol poisoning is a persistent issue in countries where counterfeit and poorly regulated alcohol is common. In recent years, large-scale poisoning incidents have been reported in countries like Indonesia, India, and the Philippines, leading to dozens of deaths.
The latest tragedy in Laos has drawn attention to the ongoing risks for travellers, particularly young backpackers visiting budget-friendly destinations.
To minimise risk, take the following precautions:
- Purchase Alcohol From Reputable Vendors: Always buy spirits from licensed stores, bars, or restaurants. Avoid consuming free or suspiciously cheap alcohol.
- Check Bottles for Tampering: Look for poor-quality labels, spelling errors, or broken seals, which may indicate counterfeit products.
- Be Cautious With Cocktails: Opt for sealed, branded bottles of beer or soft drinks instead of cocktails made with unverified spirits.
- Stay Informed: Check travel advisories for the latest warnings and updates about food and drink safety in your destination.
Global Warnings Raised After Laos Methanol Poisoning
The tragic deaths in Laos have sparked international concern, with governments issuing urgent warnings to their citizens about the dangers of consuming alcohol in the region.
Australia’s Smartraveller website warns travellers about methanol poisoning risks, especially from cocktails or spirits in Southeast Asia, urging caution: “Several foreign nationals, including Australians, have been victims in November 2024 of suspected cases of methanol poisoning through consuming alcoholic drinks.”
Several foreign nationals in Laos have been victims of suspected cases of methanol poisoning through consuming alcoholic drinks. Be alert to the potential risks of spirit based drinks including cocktails. For further advice see:https://t.co/pIE08JgYknhttps://t.co/F2eRlt2Ecw
— Smartraveller (@Smartraveller) November 19, 2024
In federal parliament, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese paused question time to reflect on the tragedy, stating: “Bianca’s trip should have been a joyous time and a source of fond memories in years to come, memories that she should have carried with her into the long bright future that lay ahead of her. It’s beyond sad that this was not to be.”
The UK Foreign Office has updated its travel guidance, advising travellers to avoid consuming unregulated alcohol.
Similarly, the US Embassy in Laos issued a health alert, recommending tourists purchase alcohol only from licensed establishments and avoid homemade spirits. The embassy emphasised checking liquor bottles for signs of tampering, such as poor-quality labels or incorrect spellings.
Methanol poisoning can cause symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, blurred vision, or difficulty breathing within hours of consumption. If you or someone you know experiences these symptoms after drinking alcoholic beverages, seek immediate medical attention.
