Six foreign tourists have died of suspected methanol poisoning in Laos, Southeast Asia. What is the substance and how does it affect the body?

Poor alcohol production and cost-cutting can lead to methanol poisoning, but drinking legitimate alcohol is a way to slow the effects until help can be sought, a toxicologist said. Five people have reportedly died of poisoning in Laos. A New Zealander who is unwell may also be a victim, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade has said.

The Laotian government officially acknowledged the mass poisoning on Saturday and offered its condolences to the families of the victims. | ITV National News

The NHS warns that as little as 4ml of methanol can cause hallucinations and blindness. Half an hour to two hours after consuming methanol symptoms include drowsiness, confusion and irritability. Later symptoms include dizziness, vomiting, severe abdominal pain and diarrhoea.

Two Australian teenagers and a British woman have died from suspected methanol poisoning after drinking tainted alcohol in Laos

Australian teenager Holly Bowles has become the sixth foreign tourist to die from suspected methanol poisoning in Laos. The 19-year-old died more than a week after falling ill in the tourist town of Vang Vieng,

A second young Australian tourist died in a Thai hospital on Friday, bringing the death toll related to suspected methanol poisoning during a night out in a Laos backpacker hotspot