Travelers have been cautioned about visiting eight countries after a tragic incident where 33 people lost their lives due to consuming $1 vodka.
In Russia, authorities confirmed that the deaths were linked to alcohol that was sold for about $1 per bottle. This alarming news was released last month.
On September 26, the Russian interior ministry reported at least seven fatalities in the Leningrad region of northwest Russia. However, the death toll quickly increased to 25 within days, according to the Moscow Times, and by September 29, it had reached 33.
The deaths were attributed to methanol poisoning. The regional government stated that at least eight cases were ‘laboratory-confirmed as methanol poisoning’. The next day, investigators discovered methanol in six additional bodies.
Authorities arrested several suspects believed to be involved in the homemade production and distribution of the vodka. According to People, this vodka was approximately 90 proof, which is about 45% alcohol by volume.
Maj-Gen Irina Volk, a spokesperson for the Interior Ministry, confirmed that a significant operation was underway to apprehend those responsible. Dmitry Peskov, a spokesperson for Vladimir Putin, remarked: “This is an extraordinary accident, a tragedy that has resulted in a large number of casualties. Law enforcement agencies are working.
“This will simply be a reason to more systematically implement our work and pay more attention to this.”
Methanol, a type of industrial alcohol, is highly toxic even in very small quantities.
It is sometimes illegally mixed with legitimate alcoholic beverages such as spirits and cocktails.
Detecting methanol poisoning can be challenging, as it may initially mimic the effects of genuine alcohol consumption.
Early symptoms can include:
Within 12-48 hours, more severe symptoms may develop:
The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), through its Travel Aware campaign, states: “Vision issues are a red flag and can also appear 12-48 hours after the first drink.
“Methanol poisoning can cause blurry vision, trouble looking at bright lights, and in some cases complete blindness. If you have ‘snowfield vision’ (seeing snowy static like an old TV) or tunnel vision seek urgent medical help.”
If you suspect methanol consumption, it is vital to seek immediate medical attention rather than waiting to see if symptoms improve.
The UK’s Foreign Office has expanded its existing methanol warnings to include several more countries.
Initially covering Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam, the advisory now also applies to Cambodia, Indonesia, Turkey, Costa Rica, and Fiji.
Travelers are advised by the Foreign Office to steer clear of homemade or street-sold alcohol and to avoid consuming from unlabelled bottles.
“Stick to licensed places. Only buy your drinks from licensed liquor stores, bars, clubs, restaurants and hotels,” the FCDO advises.
“Check bottles. Stick to sealed or bottled drinks. Seals should be intact, labels aren’t always accurate and can be counterfeit.
“Be cautious about spirits, cocktails, shots, unusually cheap or free drinks. Pre-mixed cocktails served in “buckets” or jugs in tourist areas can be high risk.”
Currently, 16 countries have methanol warnings issued by the FCDO.
The US Travel Advisory for these nations is as follows: