The Foreign Office has issued a warning to Brits travelling to eight new countries after a number of recent cases of methanol poisoning were reported
Travellers are being urged to exercise extra caution while on holiday amid rising concerns about poisoning cases. Experts at MoneySuperMarket have issued new advice following the Foreign Office’s addition of eight more countries to its list of methanol warnings just last month.
Methanol, also known as wood alcohol, is a clear, flammable liquid present in products like paint and antifreeze. However, it is sometimes also illegally added to alcoholic drinks and cocktails in bars to cut costs. This practice can be extremely dangerous, as even tiny quantities can cause severe, irreversible damage — including blindness or death — within 48 hours.
Alicia Hempsted, travel insurance expert at MoneySuperMarket, explained: “Methanol is a type of alcohol often used in antifreeze and windshield washer fluid and is highly toxic if consumed. Early symptoms can include vomiting and drowsiness but as poisoning worsens, it may lead to abdominal pain, vertigo, difficulty breathing, blurred vision and even blindness.”
Doctors Without Borders reports that thousands of people are poisoned by methanol annually. Fatality rates often range from 20% to 40%, depending on the concentration and the amount ingested.
In light of this, Ms Hempsted said the ‘safest approach’ would be to drink from sealed bottles when abroad and never leave beverages unattended. She also urged travellers to take out travel insurance to provide cover for any possible medical emergencies.
Ms Hempsted said: “Unfortunately, even when you take every possible precaution, emergencies can still happen when you’re abroad. Travel insurance can provide cover for emergency medical expenses and hospital treatments helping to protect you from financial and additional personal stress if the worst does happen.”
She also added: “If you experience any of the symptoms of methanol poisoning, or suspect you may have consumed it, you must seek immediate medical attention. Treatments can include an antidote or dialysis, depending on how advanced the poisoning is.”
Where are the eight new warnings about methanol poisoning?
In October, the Foreign Office added new guidance on methanol poisoning to the travel pages for eight countries. This included:
- Ecuador
- Kenya
- Japan
- Mexico
- Nigeria
- Peru
- Uganda
- Russia
Previously, the Foreign Office only issued guidance on methanol poisoning in countries where British nationals had been affected. These countries include Cambodia, Indonesia, Turkey, Costa Rica, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, and Fiji.
According to a previous Mirror report, Hamish Falconer, the minister responsible for Consular and Crisis, said in October: “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.”
For more information, visit GOV.UK here.