Young Tourist Dies, Dozens Hospitalized in Suspected Poisoning at Bali Hostel Infested With Bed Bugs
A tragic incident at a budget hostel in Bali has resulted in the death of a young tourist and the hospitalization of at least ten others following a suspected mass poisoning. The events unfolded at Clandestino Hostel in the popular tourist area of Canggu, where guests fell violently ill shortly after sharing a communal dinner.
Death of Chinese Tourist Deqing Zhuoga
The deceased victim, 25-year-old Chinese tourist Deqing Zhuoga, was staying at the $9-per-night hostel when she suddenly collapsed, experiencing severe vomiting and chills. Despite initial medical attention at a nearby clinic, Zhuoga’s condition deteriorated rapidly. She was found unresponsive in her bunk early on September 2 and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities recorded the official cause of death as acute gastroenteritis and hypovolaemic shock; however, the exact source of the poisoning remains under investigation.
Multiple Guests Hospitalized and Ill
Alongside Zhuoga, several other guests reported similar symptoms including intense vomiting and fainting. Among the hospitalized was Leila Li, who shared a room with Zhuoga and spent five days in intensive care. Li was unaware of her friend’s death until after her own discharge.
Leila described the harrowing situation: “She was too sick to move or call for help, lying in her bunk vomiting for hours while other guests scrambled for assistance.” She recounted her struggle to get help, including multiple visits to medical centers before being admitted to the hospital.
Additional victims named in the official police report include tourists from Germany, Saudi Arabia, the Philippines, and China. Reports suggest that more than 20 individuals experienced illness during the outbreak, with over ten in critical condition.
Allegations of Pesticide Poisoning and Bed Bug Infestation
Some affected guests have raised serious concerns that the poisoning was caused by pesticide exposure during bed bug fumigation at the hostel. Leila Li stated that her test results indicated pesticide and food poisoning as likely causes. She also witnessed an adjacent room being quarantined the night before after undergoing bed bug treatment.
Other guests have echoed concerns about a bed bug infestation at the hostel, with a July reviewer complaining about secrecy from staff regarding the issue. One guest described the experience as dangerous, urging authorities to shut down the establishment.
Response from Clandestino Hostel and Authorities
A hostel spokesperson expressed cooperation with local authorities and emphasized their commitment to resolving the situation: “Our thoughts remain with everyone affected, and we are doing everything we can to support the process. This has been an extremely difficult and delicate situation for everyone involved.”
Inspector Ahmad of the Kuta Police confirmed that an investigation is ongoing due to the multiple guests showing identical symptoms and the gravity of the incident.
Warning to Travelers
Bali remains a favored destination for international tourists, including approximately 1.5 million Australians in 2024 alone. However, this incident is a stark reminder of potential health and safety risks when staying in budget accommodations.
Travel experts urge prospective visitors to thoroughly research hostels and heed any warning signs such as pest infestations or inconsistent staff responses. The tragedy at Clandestino Hostel highlights the necessity for vigilance and caution among backpackers and travelers worldwide.
This heartbreaking event underscores the critical importance of proper hygiene, safety protocols, and transparent communication in tourist accommodations to prevent further tragedies in popular travel destinations like Bali.
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