Urgent Travel Warning: UK Adds 8 New Nations to Methanol Poisoning Alert List

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Urgent Travel Warning: UK Adds 8 New Nations to Methanol Poisoning Alert List ⚠️

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The UK Foreign Office is expanding its travel warning list. Eight new countries now join the advisory for methanol poisoning risks. These new nations include Ecuador, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, Russia, and Uganda. The update follows incidents involving British citizens abroad.

Methanol is a highly toxic, industrial chemical. It is found in antifreeze and is not safe to drink. Unscrupulous sellers sometimes add it to spirits or cocktails. They do this to cut costs and make drinks go further. This dangerous practice can cause serious illness, blindness, or even death. A British traveler, Simone White, died in Laos in 2024 from methanol poisoning. Another traveler, Calum Macdonald, went blind.

Early symptoms are often mistaken for regular alcohol sickness. Watch for nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and confusion. However, distinct signs like vision problems can develop later. Experts warn the danger can become critical quickly.

The Foreign Office is starting a new campaign. They advise all travelers to be cautious. Only buy sealed drinks from licensed places. Never accept free or homemade alcohol. Avoid cocktails and pre-mixed drinks served in jugs or buckets. If you experience any symptoms, seek urgent medical help immediately.