British lawyer Simone White, 28, from Kent, has tragically become the fifth person to die in a suspected mass methanol poisoning in Laos. The incident occurred in Vang Vieng, a town popular among backpackers, where four others have also died and many others have fallen ill. The Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) is providing support to the affected families.
White, a lawyer with the firm Squire Patton Boggs, was among several British tourists who were allegedly served drinks containing deadly methanol. Reports suggest that up to six British nationals have required treatment. The Australian prime minister confirmed the death of 19-year-old Bianca Jones and her friend Holly Bowles is still hospitalized. Other victims include an American and two Danish tourists.
Methanol poisoning is a significant concern in southeast Asia, where bootleg liquor is often brewed using methanol as a cheap alternative to ethanol. Unlike ethanol, methanol is toxic to humans and can be deadly. Samples from the incident have been sent for testing in Thailand, where it was confirmed that at least some of the victims were poisoned by methanol.
Authorities in Laos are investigating the incident, which has shed light on the dangers of methanol poisoning in the region. Experts warn of the severe health consequences of methanol ingestion, including breathing difficulties, organ failure, and even blindness. Treatment may involve dialysis to remove the toxin from the blood and administering ethanol to counteract its effects. Pressed alerts tourists to be cautious regarding the consumption of local alcohol to avoid methanol poisoning incidents like this one in Laos.
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