Bali Hotel Incident Leaves One Dead, Sparks Safety Concerns

A tragic incident at the Clandestino Hostel in Canggu, Bali, has left a 25-year-old Chinese tourist, Deqing Zhuoga, dead and several others hospitalized following a suspected mass poisoning. On September 2, 2023, Zhuoga was found unresponsive in her room, surrounded by vomit, after experiencing severe symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and chills. Approximately 20 other guests reported similar ailments, with ten requiring intensive medical care, including Zhuoga’s friend, Leila Li, who spent five days in critical condition.

The situation unfolded after the hostel had undergone fumigation for a bed bug infestation. Reports from Li indicated she was diagnosed with pesticide poisoning during her hospital stay. She noted that the room adjacent to theirs had been sealed off after being treated with insecticides just a day before Zhuoga’s death. The group had also shared a communal meal prior to falling ill, complicating the investigation into the cause of the outbreak.

Experts are weighing in on the potential causes of this alarming incident. Dr. Dicky Budiman, a global health expert and epidemiologist, emphasized that both mass food poisoning and insecticide poisoning are plausible scenarios. He noted, “There are two possibilities that need to be examined here: mass food poisoning after eating together, or the potential for mass poisoning from insecticide or fumigation. Or it could be a combination of both.”

The rapid onset of symptoms following the communal dinner raises questions about food safety. Dr. Budiman outlined that if insecticide exposure was the cause, it might stem from improper fumigation practices, such as conducting the process while guests were still present or failing to ensure adequate ventilation. “If the fumigation was done incorrectly, that could explain the symptoms,” he added.

Meanwhile, Dr. Ryki Sihombing, a physician specializing in internal medicine at Siloam Hospital in Medan, concurred that a combination of food and insecticide poisoning is conceivable. He mentioned that identifying the exact cause would be challenging based solely on symptoms. “If a patient was exposed to a high dose of insecticide, they could experience toxicity, although I have never seen it happen,” he stated.

In light of these developments, Dr. Sihombing advised victims to bring any suspected contaminated samples to medical facilities for testing. He stressed the importance of prompt medical attention if individuals experience symptoms after suspected exposure to harmful substances.

Concerns surrounding the safety of insecticide use have also been raised by pest control professionals. Yusri, who runs Antira Pest Control in Medan, expressed skepticism about the likelihood of poisoning from bed bug fumigation. He noted, “I have sprayed thousands of homes, and no one has died.” However, he cautioned that the use of unbranded or homemade insecticides poses significant risks. “If you buy unbranded insecticides, you have no idea what the ingredients are,” he remarked.

Yusri highlighted the necessity of evacuating hotels and ensuring proper ventilation during fumigation. He stated, “If you are in a hotel and you can smell insecticide or chemicals, it means that it is not safe to be there.” His comments underline the critical need for hotels to adhere to safety protocols during pest control procedures.

This incident in Bali is not isolated. In February 2023, two tourists died in Colombo, Sri Lanka, under similar circumstances, with their deaths attributed to suspected pesticide poisoning following fumigation. Furthermore, a family of four from Germany died in November 2023 in Turkey, with investigations suggesting their hotel may have been involved in unsafe pest control practices.

In light of these recent events, Dr. Budiman cautioned travelers to be vigilant. “If tourists are staying in a hotel where fumigation is taking place and start to experience symptoms such as vomiting, headaches, or shortness of breath, they need to go straight to the emergency room at the nearest hospital,” he warned. He encouraged guests to inquire about fumigation processes and ensure that accommodations are adequately ventilated to minimize health risks.

The Bali incident serves as a grim reminder of the potential dangers associated with inadequate pest control measures in hospitality settings. As investigations continue, it remains imperative for both travelers and hotel operators to prioritize safety in their practices.