Expert Analysis Highlights Hotel Safety Concerns Following Suspected Mass Poisoning in Bali
A tragic incident at a budget hostel in Bali has raised serious questions about hotel safety and the risks associated with pest control measures. In September, 25-year-old Chinese tourist Deqing Zhuoga passed away while staying at the Clandestino Hostel in Canggu after a suspected mass poisoning event that also left around 20 other guests severely ill.
The group experienced symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, chills, and shortness of breath. Approximately 10 travelers required intensive care, among them Zhuoga’s friend Leila Li, who was diagnosed with both pesticide and food poisoning and battled for her life over five days. Zhuoga was discovered lifeless in her room on September 2, found in distressing circumstances accompanied by visible signs of illness.
A puzzle has emerged around the cause of this alarming episode. Authorities and experts are examining two prevailing possibilities: either mass food poisoning from a communal meal shared the evening before, or exposure to toxic insecticide fumes following recent fumigation to eliminate a bed bug infestation. The hostel had reportedly sealed off a neighboring room that had been sprayed the day prior to the incident.
Global health and epidemiology expert Dr. Dicky Budiman told news outlets that mass poisoning from insecticides is medically feasible but exceedingly rare. He emphasized that either or both factors—contaminated food or improper fumigation—might have contributed. “If fumigation was conducted improperly, such as with guests still present or inadequate ventilation, insecticide contamination of the environment or food utensils could result,” he explained, stressing the need for a thorough investigation.
Dr. Ryki Sihombing, an internal medicine specialist at Siloam Hospital in Medan, Indonesia, concurred with the complexity of diagnosis based solely on symptoms. He noted that high-dose insecticide exposure due to fumigation could cause toxicity, though he had never encountered such a case. Treatment typically involves detoxification and specific antidotes tailored to the toxin involved. He advised that any suspected contaminated materials should be presented at medical facilities to aid appropriate treatment.
Adding further perspective, pest control specialist Yusri of Antira Pest Control in Medan highlighted that reputable insecticides produce no such fatalities and that incidents are rare when protocols are properly followed. However, he cautioned that unlicensed or homemade insecticides, sometimes sold by disreputable vendors, pose hidden dangers. According to Yusri, hotels must evacuate rooms during fumigation, ensure proper ventilation for several hours afterward, and launder all bedding to minimize risks. “If you can smell chemicals in a hotel, the environment is unsafe,” he warned.
This incident in Bali is not isolated. Earlier in 2025, two young tourists died in a Sri Lankan hostel shortly after fumigation treatments, and a German family of four died under suspicious circumstances in a Turkish hotel with recent bed bug spraying. In all cases, questions remain open regarding the role of improper pest control and the vulnerabilities travelers face.
Dr. Budiman advises tourists to remain vigilant: “If you experience symptoms such as vomiting, headaches, or breathing difficulties while at a hotel, seek emergency medical care immediately and inform staff about any recent fumigation.” He recommends confirming with hotel management that fumigation is conducted safely, rooms are adequately ventilated, and no potentially harmful chemicals linger. Crucially, he stresses, “Do not sleep in a room that has just been fumigated.”
The tragedy of Deqing Zhuoga’s death serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of hotel safety standards and responsible pest management. As investigations continue, experts urge greater awareness and caution among both travelers and hospitality providers to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
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