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Tourists have been warned about its danger methanol poisoning In eight popular tourist destinations after a surge in serious illness abroad.
UK Foreign Office (FCDO) has added methanol poisoning guidance to the travel advisory pages for Ecuador, Kenya, Japan, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, Uganda, and Russia.
According to the FCDO, the warnings follow “an increase in cases of serious illness and death caused by alcoholic beverages containing methanol in popular foreign travel destinations”.
Previously, the guidance only covered destinations where British citizens were affected by methanol poisoning: Cambodia, Indonesia, Turkey, Costa Rica, Thailand, Vietnam, laos And Fiji.
Methanol is a tasteless, odorless industrial substance Liquor It can be found in antifreeze and paint thinner and can cause blindness or death if ingested.
Bars in tourist destinations have been known to cut costs by illegally mixing methanol with spirit-based drinks.
The FCDO tells British citizens to buy sealed drinks from licensed establishments, avoid home-made alcohol and “be wary of pre-mixed alcohol served in buckets or jugs”.
Travelers are advised to pay attention to the symptoms of methanol poisoning, which include nausea, vomiting, blurred vision and confusion, within 12 to 48 hours after drinking.
Hamish Falconer, the minister responsible for consular and crisis response, said: “Methane poisoning can kill – it can be difficult to detect when alcohol is consumed and the early symptoms are similar to normal alcohol poisoning. By the time passengers realize the danger, it may be too late.
“That’s why we’re working hard to raise awareness of the warning signs and urge anyone who suspects methanol poisoning to seek immediate medical attention. I encourage all travelers to check our travel advice and Travel Aware pages before heading on holiday.”
Six backpackers died in Laos in November 2024 After drinking free shots of spirits contaminated with methanol at a hostel in Vang Vieng, laos,
simone whiteThe 28-year-old London lawyer lost her life along with two Australians, two Danes and an American.
Read more: Methanol poisoning: Why travelers are at risk, and how to reduce the dangers