Holly Bowles sixth to die of suspected methanol poisoning in Laos
www.bbc.com
Holly Bowles died in hospital more than a week after first falling ill in a Laos tourist town.

Summary

Holly Bowles, a 19-year-old Australian, has become the sixth foreign tourist to die from suspected methanol poisoning in Laos.

She and her friend Bianca Jones fell ill in Vang Vieng, a popular backpacking town, after reportedly consuming tainted alcohol, which can be lethal even in small amounts.

Other victims include a British lawyer, an American man, and two Danish women. Methanol, often found in bootleg or home-distilled alcohol, is believed to be the cause.

Authorities are investigating, with the manager of the hostel where free shots were served detained for questioning.

    • perestroika@lemm.eeEnglish
      1·
      2 months ago

      The preferred antidote is fomepizole together with hemodialysis.

      Fomepizole works by blocking the enzyme that converts methanol and ethylene glycol to their toxic breakdown products.[4]

    • Maalus@lemmy.worldEnglish
      0·
      2 months ago

      Yes, but you need to drink untainted alcohol in huge quantities to give your liver something to do instead of killing you. When you don’t know, you drink in moderation, or worse each following drink has more methanol in it. You might be fucked before you even realize what’s going on, and even with a doctor in the room it’s not immediately obvious what’s happening.