Laos methanol poisonings: New Zealander returns home

Officials in Laos have confirmed that a New Zealander who had fallen ill from a suspected case of methanol poisoning has now returned home.

The traveler, who is one of many who recently experienced illness or death after drinking what might have been contaminated drinks in Laos, was not given any additional information.

While six visitors- two Danes, two Australian, an American and a European countrywide- have died, it is unclear how many more were poor.

Authorities in Laos have promised to look into the deaths, which have highlighted a well-known traveling area.

A little river area in central Laos known for its celebration scene, Vang Vieng, has long drawn backpackers from Southeast Asia.

But the recent spate of incidents have spooked travellers, and especially girls, as five of the six who died were sexual visitors. Some governments, including New Zealand, Australia, and the UK, have warned their people about drinking souls in Laos.

Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles, both 19, passed away last week after being taken to a nearby Thai doctor. The second deaths in the past were thought to be related to methanol, a dangerous, flavorless, and colorless substance commonly added to illegal alcohol.

Finally, earlier this month, Danish authorites reported the deaths of two girls, aged 19 and 20, in Vang Vieng. A 57-year-old British gentleman was also found dead in Vang Vieng.

And last week, a 28-year-old London attorney, Simone White, died after she was believed to possess ingesed alcohol.

All the patients stayed at The Nana Backpackers guesthouse, which is now closed. The proprietors had disputed the prohibition on drinking illegal booze.

Some travellers in Vang Vieng are steering clear of the once-popular free shots and alcohol buckets offered to tourists, telling the BBC that they felt concerned about their safety.

One New Zealander who we believe has been poisoned with alcohol in Laos has been given guidance from the New Zealand Embassy in Bangkok, according to a statement from the foreign ministry of New Zealand. For private reasons, no more details will be disclosed.

If suspected of being poisoned by acetone,” Understand the signs of methanol poisoning and seek immediate medical attention,” the statement read.

Methanol poisoning is the most prevalent in Asia, mostly affecting poorer communities and places with weak food regulations and enforcement.