Fifth person dies after suspected methanol poisoning in Laos
Australian teenager Bianca Jones died in hospital in Thailand. Photo: Facebook
A New Zealander who is unwell may be a victim of methanol poisoning in Laos, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade says.
MFAT confirmed it has been contacted and was providing consular assistance.
No further details would be provided for privacy reasons.
MFAT is advising travellers to be cautious about drinking alcoholic beverages, especially cocktails and drinks made with spirits that may have been tainted with harmful substances.
"Know the signs of methanol poisoning and seek immediate medical attention if poisoning is suspected."
Lawyer Simone White has become the fifth person to die after drinking tainted alcohol in Laos, British media are reporting.
Melbourne teenager Bianca Jones died in hospital in Thailand after consuming drinks suspected to have been tainted by methanol at a bar in Vang Vieng in Laos.
Read more:
What is methanol poisoning and how can I protect myself?A second Australian teen, Holly Bowles, remained in another Thai hospital.
An American and two Danish tourists also died in the suspected mass poisoning, which left up to 14 people violently ill.
The UK's Foreign Office confirmed White's death, the BBC reported. She was 28.
- RNZ/wires
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