Laos backpackers avoid shots after suspected Methanol poisonings | BBC News

Suspected methanol poisoning from tainted drinks has reportedly killed six tourists in a Laos holiday town in the past fortnight.

A British woman, two Australian women, a US man and two Danish nationals have died.

The deaths remain under police investigation, but reports have suggested they may have consumed drinks tainted with methanol, a deadly substance often found in bootleg alcohol.

Methanol poisoning has long been a well-known issue across South East Asia, particularly in the poorer countries along the Mekong river.

But despite foreign governments posting warnings about alcohol consumption in these places, there is still little awareness among the backpacker party scene.

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