New warnings issued for popular destinations like Japan and Mexico.
The U.K. Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has amplified its travel advisories regarding methanol poisoning, now encompassing a broader range of nations, reflective of recent incidents involving serious illnesses and fatalities. Among the newly added destinations are Japan and Mexico, both of which are renowned for their vibrant tourism industries. The dangers of methanol, even in trace amounts, can lead to severe health consequences, prompting the agency to advise travelers to remain particularly cautious.
Previously, the FCDO had provided guidelines concerning methanol poisoning in countries like Cambodia, Indonesia, Turkey, and Costa Rica, among others. The latest advisories have extended to Ecuador, Kenya, Nigeria, Peru, Uganda, and Russia, although no singular incidents prompted these updates. These decisions were made after consultations with healthcare professionals, parliament members, and families affected by related tragedies. The growing trend of consuming inexpensive, unregulated liquor in tourist areas poses a risk to all travelers.
Travelers are advised to be on high alert given the surge in reported cases. In a tragic incident last year, six tourists lost their lives in Laos due to ingesting tainted alcohol, including a British national. Methanol, commonly found in industrial products such as paint thinners, may be illicitly added to alcoholic beverages in certain regions. “Even minor quantities of methanol can lead to blindness or even death within 12-48 hours of ingestion. This toxic compound is both colorless and odorless, making it undetectable by taste or smell,” warns the advisory.
Hamish Falconer, an MP charged with overseeing consular matters, emphasized the dangers of methanol poisoning, noting that symptoms often mimic those of alcohol poisoning, making timely detection challenging. “No family should have to go through what those affected by these tragedies have endured. The relentless efforts of campaigners’ families have been pivotal in driving forward these critical updates regarding our travel recommendations,” he stated.
How to Stay Safe
The FCDO advises that while it’s impossible to completely eliminate the risk of methanol poisoning, there are practical steps travelers can undertake to minimize their exposure. It’s essential to purchase beverages from licensed and reputable vendors, steer clear of homemade or unregulated alcohol, avoid leaving drinks unattended, and be cautious with mixed drinks or cocktails. Furthermore, it’s wise not to accept beverages from unfamiliar individuals. “Pre-mixed cocktails served in large containers in tourist hotspots can pose significant risks,” the guidance cautions.
Detecting methanol poisoning can be quite challenging. If you experience sudden nausea or dizziness, seek medical attention promptly. Early indicators may include vomiting, lethargy, and loss of coordination. Symptoms can escalate within a 12-48 hour window to include breathing difficulties, blurred vision or even blindness, and seizures. “Methanol poisoning can lead to vision problems, sensitivity to bright lights, and, in extreme cases, complete vision loss. If you start seeing ‘snowfield vision’—a visual distortion resembling static—you must get medical help immediately,” the Foreign Office emphasizes.
If you suspect that you or someone within your party has suffered from methanol poisoning, it’s crucial to seek healthcare services without delay. Treatment is most effective within the first 10-30 hours following exposure to methanol. “Don’t postpone seeking medical help to see if symptoms improve. Contact emergency services or proceed to the nearest hospital right away.”
