The close friend of a British individual who tragically passed away from consuming illicit alcohol overseas has shared the harrowing story of how she fell sick after consuming tainted shots, highlighting the urgent need for increased measures to prevent methanol poisoning.
Recently, the Foreign Office expanded its list of countries at risk of methanol poisoning due to the dangers linked to fake or contaminated alcoholic beverages. Among the countries already identified were Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam, along with Cambodia, Indonesia, Turkey, Costa Rica, and Fiji.
Following reported incidents, Ecuador, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, Russia, and Uganda have now been included in the list. Methanol poisoning occurs when methanol is illicitly added to drinks like cocktails and spirits to increase volume and reduce costs.
Symptoms of methanol poisoning encompass nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and confusion, with more distinctive signs such as vision problems emerging between 12 to 48 hours after ingestion.
Bethany Clarke, residing in Orpington, London, embarked on a backpacking journey across Southeast Asia with her companion Simone White last year. Both friends unknowingly consumed methanol-tainted shots, resulting in illness, and tragically, proving fatal for Simone.
Expressing her sentiments, Bethany described the addition of more countries to the list as “heartbreaking,” emphasizing the necessity for further actions. Bethany, currently residing in Brisbane, Australia, remarked, “While it’s positive that more countries are being recognized, there is still much more to be accomplished. Unless the UK government takes more decisive actions, there is a high likelihood of more fatalities.”
Bethany stressed the importance of public awareness, advising individuals to opt for canned drinks or sealed bottles they personally open to mitigate risks. Recalling their journey that commenced in Cambodia and extended to Laos, she recounted an incident where they consumed methanol-laced shots innocently, leading to adverse health effects.
Despite feeling unwell the following morning, the duo proceeded with their plans, participating in activities like tubing down the river and kayaking, until the symptoms worsened, signaling potential methanol poisoning.
Subsequently, they sought medical attention, initially at a rudimentary facility where the cause of their illness remained undetermined. As their conditions deteriorated, they were transferred to a private hospital, but unfortunately, it was too late for Simone, who ultimately succumbed to the poisoning.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Bethany expressed the emotional toll of losing her friend and underscored the need for enhanced education and vigilance. She advocated for increased governmental efforts to inform citizens about methanol poisoning risks, drawing attention to the proactive measures taken in Australia compared to the UK.
Highlighting the potential dangers, Bethany cautioned against consuming bottled spirits unless certain of their origin, emphasizing the importance of public awareness and proactive measures to prevent further tragedies.
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