The British Government has updated its travel advice for Laos in the wake of the methanol poisonings that have seen six travellers die including one Brit.
There is now a warning in place specifically advising Brits to be vigilant when buying drinks in the country. Advice reads: “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, smell or taste seem wrong then do not drink.”
The travel advice continues to list possible affected drinks.
(Image: Getty Images)
These include:
- local spirits, including local rice or palm liquor
- spirit-based mixed drinks, such as cocktails
- counterfeit brand-name bottled alcohol in shops or behind the bar
The Government has also offered guidance on how brits can protect themselves from methanol poisoning in Laos.
It says:
- buy alcoholic beverages only from licensed liquor stores
- buy drinks only at licensed bars and hotels
- avoid home-made alcoholic drinks
- check bottle seals are intact
- check labels for poor print quality or incorrect spelling
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.
(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
The new travel advice comes as Australian teen, Holly Bowles, 19, became the sixth victim of the poisoning in Vang Vieng in Laos today.
British lawyer, Simone White, 28, from Kent died yesterday in Bangkok hospital.
The hostel manager, where the girls were staying, Duong Duc Toan, confirmed over 100 guests were given free shots of Lao Tiger vodka, mixed with ice and Coke Zero. He said the alcohol was from a certified distributor and not tampered with by his staff.
The police have since told every hostel, hotel and bar in Vang Vieng to stop selling drinks.