British tourists among those hospitalized after ‘methanol poisoning’ in Laos

British tourists are among those in hospital in Laos after allegedly being given alcoholic beverages laced with methanol.

The Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has confirmed that it is providing consular assistance to British nationals and their families following an incident in the popular tourist town of Vang Vieng.

It is now known that four people have died, including an Australian teenager, an American and two Danish tourists.

Many of the victims stayed overnight at the Nana Backpacker Hostel, and staff were informed that guests had fallen ill after failing to check out on November 13.

The FCDO said it was in contact with local authorities regarding British citizens affected by this situation.

Those poisoned in the incident are believed to have been served drinks contaminated with methanol, which is sometimes used by unprofitable bars as a cheaper alternative to ethanol but can cause serious poisoning or death.

Commenting on the potential effects of methanol poisoning, Professor Alastair Hay, Emeritus Professor of Environmental Toxicology at the University of Leeds, said: ‘The risks of using methanol are two-fold.

“Methanol breaks down in the body into formaldehyde and then formic acid. Formic acid disturbs the acid-base balance in the blood, and the main consequence is initially the effect on respiration.

“There are effects on many other organs, one of which is the kidney. Disturbance of the acid-base balance and respiratory disorders will eventually affect the heart and it will stop functioning.

“Formaldehyde attacks the nerves, particularly the optic nerve, making blindness a potential risk.

“Depending on the severity of the poisoning, treatment may require dialysis to remove methanol from the blood while maintaining sobriety by administering ethanol.

“If the poisoning is not too serious and only blood tests show it, ethanol alone will be enough.”

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told parliament that 19-year-old Bianca Jones died after being evacuated from Vang Vieng for treatment in a Thai hospital.

Her friend Holly Bowles, also 19, remains in hospital in Thailand.

Australia reported that “several foreigners” were also victims of methanol poisoning.

The US State Department confirmed that an American had been killed, and Denmark’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said two Danish citizens had also died in the “Laos incident”, but neither would comment directly on the link to the methanol poisoning that led to Ms. Jones’ death.

Thai authorities confirmed that Jones died from “brain swelling caused by high levels of methanol in her system.”

Landlocked Laos is one of the poorest countries in Southeast Asia and a popular tourist destination.

Vang Vieng is particularly popular with tourists looking for events and extreme sports.