A warning has been issued to people traveling to eight different countries after 33 people died from $1 vodka.
Last month, officials in Russia confirmed that multiple deaths had occurred after people drank alcohol served for around $1 per bottle.
In a statement on September 26, the country's interior ministry said at least seven people had died in Russia's northwest Leningrad region. However, days later, investigators said the death toll rose to 25, the Moscow Times reported. Then, on September 29, the number of deaths rose to 33.
Methanol was found to be the cause, with the regional government explaining that at least eight cases had been 'laboratory-confirmed as methanol poisoning', and the following day investigators found the substance in six more bodies.
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Several suspects were arrested by the police for home production and distribution of the vodka, which People reported was about 90 proof (or about 45% ABV).
Interior Ministry spokeswoman Maj-Gen Irina Volk confirmed a big operation had taken place to track down those responsible, with Vladimir Putin’s spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, commenting: “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.”
What is methanol poisoning?
Methanol is an industrial alcohol and is toxic even in small amounts.
Sometimes, methanol is illegally mixed with real alcohol such as spirits and cocktails.
Spotting the signs of methanol poisoning can be tricky, because initially, it can present in a similar way to drinking real alcohol.
However, early signs include:
- Vomiting
- Loss of balance
- Drowsiness
Around 12-48 hours later, the following can occur:
- Abdominal pain
- Vertigo
- Hyperventilation
- Breathlessness
- Blurred vision and/or blindness
- Difficulty looking at bright lights
- Coma
- Convulsions
Travel Aware, which is a campaign by the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) explains: "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 think you have consumed methanol, seeking early treatment is crucial - do not wait to see 'if it gets better'.
Which countries are in the warning?
Over in the UK, the Foreign Office has added a series of other countries to their already-existing warnings about methanol.
While the advice already covered Thailand, Laos and Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Turkey, Costa Rica and Fiji, they've now added:
- Ecuador
- Japan
- Kenya
- Mexico
- Nigeria
- Peru
- Russia
- Uganda
The Foreign Office has also advised travelers to avoid homemade or streetside alcohol and not to drink from unlabelled bottles.
"Stick to licensed places. Only buy your drinks from licenced liquor stores, bars, clubs, restaurants and hotels," the FCDO explain.
"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."
What has the US said?
There are currently 16 countries with methanol warnings by the FCDO.
The US Travel Advisory for each is as follows:
- Ecuador - Level 2
- Japan - Level 1
- Kenya - Level 2
- Mexico - Level 2
- Nigeria - Level 3
- Peru - Level 2
- Russia - Level 4
- Uganda - Level 3
- Thailand - Level 2
- Laos - Level 2
- Vietnam - Level 1
- Cambodia - Level 2
- Indonesia - Level 2
- Turkey - Level 2
- Costa Rica - Level 2
- Fiji - Level 1
Topics: Crime, Food and Drink, News, World News, Russia
Lucy Devine