Travellers have been warned to be wary in certain tourist hotspots like Japan and Mexico, as more countries are added to the list
The Foreign Office has added eight more countries to the list of those with methanol poisoning warnings as new cases arise. This includes Ecuador, Kenya, Nigeria, Peru, Uganda, and Russia, as well as tourist hotspots Japan and Mexico.
The poisoning can be fatal and travellers are urged to make themselves aware of the signs, symptoms, and how to avoid being poisoned while abroad. More information can be found on the Government’s Travel Aware website.
Methanol is an industrial alcohol that is sometimes mixed with spirit-based drinks and cocktails illegally in order to cut costs. Even in small amounts it can cause irreparable damage like blindness or death within 48 hours.
The list of countries with methanol warnings:
- Ecuador
- Kenya
- Japan
- Mexico
- Nigeria
- Peru
- Uganda
- Russia
- Cambodia
- Indonesia
- Turkey
- Costa Rica
- Thailand
- Vietnam
- Laos
- Fiji
The substance can be hard for revellers to detect as it’s tasteless, odourless, and some of the earliest symptoms mimic alcohol poisoning.
Travellers are advised to only purchase sealed drinks from licensed establishments, avoid homemade alcohol, and be particularly cautious of pre-mixed spirits, cocktails, and drinks served in buckets or jugs while abroad.
Some warning signs of methanol poisoning may develop within 12 to 48 hours after consumption including:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Vision issues
The Foreign Office warned: “Anyone showing any signs of methanol poisoning should seek urgent medical attention immediately.”
Minister responsible for Consular and Crisis, Hamish Falconer said: “Methanol poisoning can kill – it can be difficult to detect when drinking and early symptoms mirror ordinary alcohol poisoning. By the time travellers realise the danger, it can be too late.
“That’s why we’re working hard to raise awareness of the warning signs and urging anyone who suspects methanol poisoning to seek immediate medical attention. I encourage all travellers to check our travel advice and Travel Aware pages before they go on holiday.
“No family should endure what the campaigners’ families have suffered. Their determination to prevent others facing the same tragedy has been instrumental in driving forward these vital updates to our travel advice.”