A New Zealand man who fell ill following suspected methanol poisoning in Laos has now returned home, authorities have confirmed.
No further details were given about the tourist, who is one of several who have fallen ill or died in recent weeks after consuming what may be contaminated drinks in Laos.
While six tourists – two Danes, two Australians, an American and a Briton – died, it is not known how many others are ill.
Laotian authorities have promised to investigate the cause of the deaths, which have shone a spotlight on a popular backpacker town.
Vang Vieng, a small riverside town in central Laos known for its party scene, has long attracted backpackers traveling across Southeast Asia.
But the recent wave of deaths has frightened tourists, especially women, since five of the six people who died were female travelers. Several governments, including New Zealand, Australia and the United Kingdom, have warned their citizens against drinking spirits in Laos.
Last week, Australians Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles, 19, died days after being admitted to hospital in neighboring Thailand. These were the first deaths suspected to be caused by methanol, a toxic, tasteless and colorless substance commonly added to moonshine.
Danish authorities then reported the deaths of two women, aged 19 and 20, who died in Vang Vieng earlier this month. A 57-year-old American man was also found dead in Vang Vieng.
And last week, a 28-year-old London lawyer, Simone White, died after being suspected of ingesting methanol.
All the victims stayed at The Nana Backpackers hostel, which is now closed. The owners had denied serving illicit alcohol.
Some travelers in Vang Vieng are avoiding the once-popular free shots and buckets of alcohol offered to tourists, telling the BBC they feel concerned about their safety.
“The New Zealand Embassy in Bangkok (which is responsible for Laos) provided assistance to a New Zealander who we believe was poisoned by methanol in Laos,” the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a press release. “No further details will be provided for confidentiality reasons.”
“Know the signs of methanol poisoning and seek immediate medical attention if poisoning is suspected,” the statement said.
Methanol poisoning is most prevalent in Asia, mainly affecting poorer communities and places with weak food regulations.
