The UK Foreign Office has issued a warning to citizens visiting Nigeria about the risk of methanol poisoning from counterfeit or tainted alcoholic drinks. This follows incidents involving British citizens in Nigeria and other countries, including Ecuador, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Peru, Russia, and Uganda.
Safety Precautions:
– Avoid homemade or streetside alcohol: Don’t drink from unlabelled bottles, and steer clear of local spirits or homemade alcohol
– Choose licensed places: Only buy drinks from licensed liquor stores, bars, clubs, restaurants, and hotels
– Check bottles: Stick to sealed or bottled drinks with intact seals; labels may be inaccurate or counterfeit
– Be cautious: Watch out for spirits, cocktails, shots, unusually cheap or free drinks, and pre-mixed cocktails served in tourist areas
Methanol is toxic even in small amounts and can cause serious illness or death. Symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, breathing difficulty, blurred vision, and seizures. If you suspect methanol poisoning, seek medical attention immediately
