The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has issued an urgent health alert for British nationals travelling to India, a destination visited by nearly a million UK tourists each year.
What is the danger?
The warning, updated on Tuesday, November 18, highlights a significant increase in cases of serious illness linked to alcoholic drinks contaminated with methanol. The FCDO stressed that even small amounts of methanol can be fatal and that it is impossible to identify the toxic substance by taste or smell alone.
According to guidance on the Government's Travel Aware website, methanol is a toxic industrial alcohol found in products like antifreeze and fuel. In some parts of the world, it is illegally mixed with legitimate spirits and cocktails.
Recognising the symptoms of methanol poisoning
Identifying methanol poisoning is difficult because its initial symptoms are similar to normal alcohol intoxication. Early signs can include vomiting, drowsiness, loss of balance, and impaired judgement.
Between 12 and 48 hours after consumption, more severe symptoms can develop. These require immediate medical attention and include:
- Stomach pain and dizziness
- Blurred vision, 'snowfield vision', tunnel vision, or even blindness
- Rapid breathing and shortness of breath
- Seizures or falling into a coma
Vision problems are a major red flag. If you or anyone you are travelling with experiences these symptoms, seek urgent medical help without delay.
Other affected destinations
India is not the only country where this risk is present. The FCDO has also issued methanol warnings for several other popular travel destinations, including:
- Turkey, Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia
- Mexico, Costa Rica, and Peru
- Cambodia, Laos, and Japan
- Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, and Fiji
- Ecuador and Russia
This global advisory underscores the importance for all travellers to be vigilant about the source of their alcoholic beverages while abroad.
