Overview
- The FCDO expanded its guidance on 18 November to include Bangladesh, India, Iran, Jordan, Libya, Malawi, Malaysia, Morocco, Nepal, Papua New Guinea and Rwanda.
- News outlets report the expanded list now covers about 29 destinations where tainted or counterfeit spirits have been linked to serious illness and deaths.
- Methanol is tasteless and odourless, early effects can resemble normal intoxication, and severe symptoms such as vision problems or coma may emerge 12–48 hours after drinking.
- Government advice says treatment is most effective within roughly 10–30 hours and may include antidotes like ethanol or fomepizole as well as dialysis.
- The Travel Aware campaign advises avoiding homemade or street-sold alcohol, sticking to licensed venues, checking bottles, being wary of free drinks, and seeking immediate medical help if warning signs appear.