UK methanol poisoning alert follows deaths of British travellers in Laos and Bali

Calum MacDonald experienced a blinding kaleidoscopic light that permanently impaired his vision less than two days after drinking at a bar in Vang Vieng, Laos, in 2024. The man in his 20s from Surrey has joined a UK government campaign to raise awareness of methanol poisoning risks.

MacDonald told BBC Breakfast he was unaware of the dangers when travelling and that knowing them might have changed his situation.

Methanol is a highly toxic industrial form of alcohol found in counterfeit or contaminated drinks. As little as 30ml can be fatal to an adult, while smaller amounts can cause permanent harm including blindness. Twenty-nine destinations carry methanol poisoning warnings on UK government travel advice, including Indonesia, Laos and Vietnam.

Kirsty McKie, 38 and originally from Stockport, died after consuming methanol in Bali in 2022. She had lived in Bali for eight years and bought alcohol only from reputable suppliers. Margaret McKie, Kirsty's mother, said her daughter initially thought her symptoms were a hangover and did not seek help until she lost consciousness.

Early symptoms include vomiting, poor judgement, loss of balance and drowsiness. Later symptoms, appearing 12-48 hours after drinking, can include abdominal pain, vertigo, blurred vision or blindness, coma and convulsions. Vision issues such as blurry vision, trouble looking at bright lights, snowfield vision or tunnel vision are distinctive red flags.

Margaret McKie said it is important for people to understand the symptoms to get help in time and advised looking out for friends who seem more ill. Calum MacDonald advised travellers to look out for each other, know the risks and have all possible information before travelling.