Introduction
Laos town Vang Vieng is known to be an unusual party hub for young travellers. But in the early 2000s it underwent a remarkable transition. However, it went from being a small party town to now party central. But the popular hotspot has been struck with tragedy.
The 6 victims
6 people have died of suspected methanol poisoning. This all took place at the Nana Backpacker Hostel over the course of November.
The first 3 victims were two young Danish women, Anne-Sofie Orkild Coyman (20) and Freja Vennervald Sorensen (21). The 2 women were found unconscious in their hostel bedroom. This was after going into a bar in the city the previous night. They were transported to a hospital and died in the middle of the night due to a sudden heart failure. James Louis Hutson (57) was of American nationality. His death was discovered after hostel staff realised that he hadn’t come out of his room. He was found dead, lying on the bed surrounded by several empty drinks glasses. All 3 died of suspected methanol poisoning after drinking with alcohol that had been tampered with.
Additionally, this past Friday, 3 more victims were recorded to have died. This was all from the suspected consumption of drinks laced with methanol. Australian teen Holly Bowles (19) was the 6th person to die. News of her death was announced hours after that of British lawyer Simone White (28). Bowles’s best friend, Bianca Jones (19), also died the day before.
In addition to the 6 deaths, a further 11 people have been hospitalised following methanol poisoning.
The Governor of Vang Vieng launches an investigation
The Governor of Vang Vieng, Bounchan Malavong, visited the hostel. Upon this he promised a thorough investigation and vowed to bring justice to those responsible for the deaths. Following this, the hostel has been closed for investigation.
Nana Backpackers Hostel has fallen under great controversy, with most of the scrutiny falling on them. The hostel manager has denied any responsibility, claiming that the hostel had served the same drinks to at least 100 other guests that night, with no problems reported.
What is methanol poisoning?
Methanol poisoning happens when methanol, a highly toxic alcohol, is ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin in a high quantity. While methanol itself is not severely harmful, upon entering the body it metabolises into formaldehyde and formic acid. These 2 things are extremely harmful. They can cause damage to the optic nerve, which leads to loss of vision and blindness. Additionally, it can cause dysfunction to organs.
Methanol tends to be found in contaminated or homemade alcoholic beverages, industrial products, and windscreen washer fluid. Symptoms of poisoning typically begin with nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and abdominal pain. If not treated, it could progress into blurred or “snowstorm” vision, breathing difficulties, seizures, or even coma in severe cases.
Can methanol poisoning be treated?
As it is a type of poisoning, it is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment. It should be treated in the hospital to avoid permanent damage or death.
Drug treatments, including fomepizole or ethanol, are used. In severe cases, dialysis is used to clean the blood and remove toxic byproducts.
However, as serious as the condition is, the patient can still make a full recovery. But immediate medical intervention is required. Delays in treatment and attention increase the chance of blindness, fatal damage, and death.
Safety advice for travellers
With all these cases appearing in Laos, officials have issued health warnings to travellers. This is regarding the cases of methanol poisoning.
The Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) released a statement in updated travel advice for the country:
“There have been deaths and cases of serious illness caused by alcoholic drinks containing methanol.”
“Methanol has been used in the manufacture of counterfeit replicas of well-known alcohol brands or illegal local spirits, like vodka.”
“You should take care if offered, particularly for free, or when buying spirit-based drinks. If labels, smells, or tastes seem wrong, then do not drink.”
“Methanol is tasteless and odourless. It can rapidly lead to serious illness. Long-term effects may include blindness and permanent damage to the central nervous system. Coma and death may occur following substantial exposure.”
Furthermore, British citizens who are travelling to the Asian town have been advised to protect themselves against methanol poisoning. They’ve been instructed to only buy alcohol from licensed liquor stores, licensed bars, and hotels. Avoid digesting home-made alcoholic drinks. You can tell the difference by checking that the bottle seals are undamaged, the labelling is done correctly, and there are no incorrect spellings.
Drinks most prone to methanol poisoning are local spirits, including local rice or palm liquor. Additionally, spirit-based mixed drinks, such as cocktails and counterfeit brand-name bottled alcohol, are in shops or behind the bar.
Conclusion
The numerous cases of methanol poisoning are a very severe matter. Therefore, it’s important that when buying and taking alcoholic beverages, you are vigilant. Check the package and labelling for errors, as well as noticeable odours and off-putting taste.
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