NZ woman in Thailand food poisoning death

http://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news.php?id=255405180018

MOPH further clarifies deaths of tourists in Chiang Mai

CHIANG MAI, 18 May 2011 (NNT) – The Ministry of Public Health has issued more clarifications to foreign media in regard to the recent deaths of foreign tourists at a hotel in Chiang Mai province as well as the investigation process of the case.

Deputy Director of the Chiang Mai Provincial Public Health Office Surasing Wisarutrat said the Ministry of Public Health had released its third update to news agencies in foreign countries in order to brief them on progress in the probe into the mysterious fatalities of six tourists, comprising one New Zealander, one Canadian and four Britons, as well as one Thai tour guide, which took place earlier this year in Chiang Mai province.

According to a previous report by New Zealand media, traces of chlorpyrifos, which is a hazardous chemical used in the form of spray to kill bedbugs, were found at a hotel in Chiang Mai where the deceased were lodging before falling ill and eventually dying. The chemical is said to have been banned by many countries and is speculated to have been the cause of the victims’ deaths.

However, MD Surasing claimed that initial findings had suggested otherwise. He stated that samples of certain types of viruses had been sent to the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention as well as Osaka University in Japan for examination and the result whether they were responsible for the incident would be known within two months.

In addition, the Deputy Director confirmed that all related examination processes of Thai authorities had been approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) in terms of their conformity to the international medical standard. Officials of the WHO are also set to join Thailand’s probing team in a couple of days.

anyone looked at the Thai Tragedies site lately?
What a waste of time that is/was, un-moderated and full of garbage, anti-Thai, anti-Thailand, anti-everything, becoming a forum for every tinfoil hat-wearing conspiracy theorist out there.
And there are a few.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by genghis61

anyone looked at the Thai Tragedies site lately?
What a waste of time that is/was, un-moderated and full of garbage, anti-Thai, anti-Thailand, anti-everything, becoming a forum for every tinfoil hat-wearing conspiracy theorist out there.
And there are a few.

---

Given that the Father of one of the girls set it up, it was never really going to be objective or even-handed.

Sad for this guy that he might never get closure on the death of his daughter.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by kmart

Quote:

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Originally Posted by genghis61

anyone looked at the Thai Tragedies site lately?
What a waste of time that is/was, un-moderated and full of garbage, anti-Thai, anti-Thailand, anti-everything, becoming a forum for every tinfoil hat-wearing conspiracy theorist out there.
And there are a few.

---

Given that the Father of one of the girls set it up, it was never really going to be objective or even-handed.

Sad for this guy that he might never get closure on the death of his daughter.

---

In my book, anything that gets the subliminal message of "FUCK OFF DOWNTOWN INN" and hurts the bastard's wallet is OK with me, because that's about the only way he can be touched. Personally I'd rather he were made to clean the rooms himself, preferably with the former IMF chief just coming out of the shower.

That's priceless, Harry!


:cmn:

Pesticide theory backed in hotel deaths
22/05/2011

https://teakdoor.com/images/smilies1/You_Rock_Emoticon.gif

World Health Organisation experts suspect that a pest-control substance is a cause of the mysterious deaths at a Chiang Mai hotel.

Chiang Mai's head of public health Surasing Visaruthrat, who joined the WHO investigation team in examining the Downtown Inn on Friday, said the world body's experts agreed with his team that it was unlikely that New Zealand tourist Sarah Carter died of a bedbug spray containing chlorpyrifos as had been suggested.

"We are looking into a toxic substance other than chlorpyrifos," Dr Surasing said.

He refused to name the substance, saying only that it was "a pest control chemical".

Carter was one of seven people who died mysteriously in the northern province between January and February.

Four of them had stayed at the Downtown Inn.

The mystery over Carter's death resurfaced recently after an investigation commissioned by the New Zealand TV3 show 60 Minutes found traces of chlorpyrifos in the hotel.

But Thai authorities cited a medical report that found no trace of insecticide in Carter's body, while the hotel manager has denied using the highly toxic substance.

Dr Surasing said WHO officials and his team examined over 10 guest rooms, including Room 516, where Carter and two of her friends stayed.

The WHO officials cut out part of the carpet under the hotel beds for laboratory testing.

They also inspected the hotel kitchen and swimming pool, he said.

According to Dr Surasing, the carpet samples were sent to a WHO-certified laboratory at Ramathibodi Hospital in Bangkok.

The WHO investigation team is expected to return to Chiang Mai for further investigation after lab test results early next week, he said.

Chiang Mai governor Panadda Disakul said yesterday the WHO investigation would ensure a transparent inquest following conflict over earlier theories of whether a virus or exposure to a chemical toxin had caused the deaths.

The investigation would boost confidence for all parties currently trying to uncover the cause of the deaths, the governor said after meeting WHO representative Richard Brown.

ML Panadda said he would like the investigation to uncover the truth as soon as possible for the sake of the "good image of Chiang Mai and Thailand", which have been marred by media coverage of the deaths.

bangkokpost.com

Chiang Mai Deaths Riddle: Update Discounts Bug Killer - Phuket Wan

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/4307.jpg
The Downtown Inn: not mentioned by name in the latest update

Chiang Mai Deaths Riddle: Update Discounts Bug Killer

By Phuketwan Reporter
Tuesday, May 24, 2011

INVESTIGATIONS into a ''cluster'' of mysterious deaths of tourists in Chiang Mai have so far produced no clear patterns, an official update reveals.

The riddle of what killed New Zealander Sarah Carter and five others remains, and inquiries are reported to be continuing.

The latest official account rejects any link involving a seventh victim and makes the point that there is no sure connection between all six deaths.

''Despite the best efforts of Thai authorities and international partners, a complete explanation for the cause of deaths may not be found for all cases,'' the report says, noting that toxicology investigations can take time.

Toxicologists from seven countries or international organisations are involved in continuing investigations, says the Department of Disease Control in Thailand's Ministry of Public Health.

Interestingly, although the deaths of two young female tourists on Phi Phi in 2009 are not part of this investigation, the Chiang Mai cases update reports that the bug-killer chemical ''chlorpyrifos generally emits a strong odor which was not noted by the two surviving women.''

However, American Ryan Kells, one of the survivors of the incident on Phi Phi that killed his fiancee Jill St John and Norwegian Julie Bergheim in adjoining rooms at the Laleena Guesthouse two years ago, has always said he noted a strong chemical smell when entering their room.

The chances of solving the mystery of the Phi Phi deaths is slim but in the Chiang Mai cases, it appears an effort is at least being mounted to explain six deaths and salvage some of the popular destination's tourism reputation.

Here's what the latest official report says:

International toxicologists consulted in Chiang Mai tourist deaths - Update 3

23 May 2011 - Thai public health authorities have enlisted the assistance of international toxicology experts this month to determine whether toxins or chemical agents might be involved in the deaths of five foreign tourists and a Thai guide and the associated illnesses of three other individuals in Chiang Mai earlier this year.

The Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) and the Chiang Mai provincial authorities, enlisted the help of these expert toxicologists as part of the on-going investigation into the deaths that occurred between January and February this year. The toxicologists are from Australia, India, Sri Lanka, the United Kingdom, the United States, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US CDC).

This consultation followed an earlier meeting of experts at the Department of Disease Control held on 10 May 2011 with the Chiang Mai provincial authorities to review information gathered over the past few months. This meeting involved clinicians, epidemiologists, laboratory specialists, pathologists, toxicologists and police as well as the WHO and the US CDC. Subsequently, representatives of relevant consulates were briefed on the progress of the investigation.

The toxicology experts have reviewed the available evidence and discussed several possible causes involving toxins and chemical agents as a cause of death. The toxicologists also discussed the suggestion made by the New Zealand TV3 '60 Minutes' program that chlorpyrifos (used as an insecticide) was responsible for the death of one woman from New Zealand and the illness of her two traveling companions.

While a cause has not been clearly identified to date, experts recognised that chlorpyrifos generally emits a strong odor which was not noted by the two surviving women. They also noted that chlorpyrifos is not well absorbed by the skin nor would it cause rapid illness or death in a healthy adult unless it was ingested or inhaled in very high quantities. Furthermore, the details of the clinical and laboratory investigation do not support chlorpyrifos as a cause.

The toxicologists are also considering the possibility that other chemical agents including those found in pest control products might cause signs, symptoms and laboratory findings consistent with the features seen. Experts are also currently working to identify the most suitable laboratories to carry out specific tests for selected pest control ingredients in the remaining samples.

Concurrently, environmental and toxicology assessment involving experts and laboratories from the Ministry of Agriculture; the Department of Health, MOPH; Ramathibodi Poison Center; the Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University is underway at the hotel where four persons died.

The initial assessment of overnight room ventilation in April found adequate air ventilation with normal levels of nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide; and no evidence of carbon monoxide accumulation. A parallel investigation has also been undertaken by local police.

While Thai authorities and international partners are actively pursuing the hypothesis that these six deaths might be linked to a similar cause, the investigation so far reveals few common traits except that:

..All occurred in Chiang Mai between 11 January and 19 February

..Six of the nine reported people affected lodged at one hotel (three were at two different hotels)

..The first six people identified are young (aged 23-29) female non-Thai nationals

The people who died and fell ill are being examined in three groups based on the hotels they stayed in, as follows:

1) One American woman (age 33) who died on 11 January and her Canadian colleague (age 29) who fell ill

2) One French woman (age 25) who died on 19 January

3) a) One Thai woman (age 47) who died on 3 February

b) One New Zealand woman (age 23) who died 6 February and her two traveling companions (both age 23) who both fell ill

c) A couple from the United Kingdom - one man (78) and woman (74) who both died on February 19

Based on findings currently available, there is insufficient evidence to link the illnesses and deaths among these three groups.

The American, Canadian and French woman had no activities in connection with other hotels and other cases. The French women also began to fall ill few days before arrival in Chiang Mai.

There have been reports that a Canadian man who died in January may have used the swimming pool of the hotel where the Thai woman, the New Zealand women and the United Kingdom couple stayed (hotel number 3 above).

However it has not been possible to confirm these reports or even to establish the day when this visit was supposed to have occurred. In addition, the available evidence from medical records and autopsy by forensic expert do not currently support linkage with other deaths. Therefore the death of this man has not been included in the cluster.

It was also initially believed on the basis of clinical findings that myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) was a common factor in a number of deaths. However, although it is clear that heart muscle damage occurred in these cases, further investigation of clinical, laboratory and histopathology records, has only established clear evidence of myocarditis in the case of the French woman.

It is partly this evidence that has resulted in the scope of the investigation being widened to look for other causes of cardiac damage (that can mimic the clinical appearance of myocarditis), including toxins and chemical agents.

A final explanation of the most likely cause of the event(s), including exact cause of illnesses and deaths, and any important related factors, will be made based upon the synthesis of evidence from clinical, epidemiologic, laboratory, environmental and forensic investigations.

It is important to highlight that a complex investigation such as this which also includes international laboratory analyses takes time. Any new toxicology results are also likely to take time if specimens need to be shipped to specialist laboratories.

It is also possible that cases may not all be linked, and may instead be due to different causes. Despite the best efforts of Thai authorities and international partners, a complete explanation for the cause of deaths may not be found for all cases.

The Thai Ministry of Public Health will provide information as it becomes available to the families, the international community and the media, and will provide regular updates on its Thai and English websites (�รมควบคุมโรค). Any persons who may have specific medical or public heath concerns about this event are invited to report them or make queries using email address: askcmevent[at]gmail.com

and there it ends as all the Thais fall asleep due to boredom and non caring.....

Poison experts to examine tourist deaths in Thailand - Health News, Health & Families - The Independent

Poison experts to examine tourist deaths in Thailand

By Enjoli Liston

Wednesday, 25 May 2011

https://teakdoor.com/images/smilies1/You_Rock_Emoticon.gif
The Independent report of the unexplained deaths on 18 April

A team of international toxicologists has been called in to investigate the sudden deaths of five foreign tourists in the Thai city of Chiang Mai, after doubts were cast over claims made by local authorities that the deaths were coincidental, and potentially caused by food poisoning.

Thailand's public health department said yesterday that it had enlisted experts from the UK, the World Health Organisation, and US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention among others, "to determine whether toxins or chemical agents might be involved in the deaths". It is now thought that pest control products could be to blame.

George and Eileen Everitt from Lincolnshire, a 23-year-old New Zealander, Sarah Carter, and a Thai tour guide all died within 16 days in adjoining rooms at the three-star Downtown Inn in Chiang Mai in February. All four are believed to have died after the sudden onset of severe heart conditions.

Authorities are now also investigating the deaths of two other foreign tourists, who fell ill in Chiang Mai at a similar time with similar symptoms. The city's governor had described the deaths as a "coincidence". Thai health authorities had blamed food poisoning from "toxic seaweed" for Ms Carter's death.

Mr and Mrs Everitt's son, Stephen, said: "If insecticides are to blame, I want to know why such deadly chemicals would be used in a hotel."

Bangkok Post update today as well...not much new

Struggle to determine a common link

25/05/2011 : There is not enough evidence to support examining the insecticide chlorpyrifos as the cause of a New Zealand woman's death at a hotel in Chiang Mai, according to a team of Thai and international toxicology experts.

The American, Canadian and French woman had no activities in connection with other hotels and other cases. The French women also began to fall ill few days before arrival in Chiang Mai.

There have been reports that a Canadian man [ Mr. Mah ] who died in January may have used the swimming pool of the hotel where the Thai woman, the New Zealand women and the United Kingdom couple stayed ( Downtown Inn.)

However it has not been possible to confirm these reports or even to establish the day when this visit was supposed to have occurred. In addition, the available evidence from medical records and autopsy by forensic expert do not currently support linkage with other deaths. Therefore the death of this man has not been included in the cluster.

So.. Mr. Mah being at the pool Inn was based on entirely on hearsay reported by Drummond,.
Just as I thought when Drummond would not give any specifics when asked about this; "A friend said he was going to use the pool..," was the response.


V I S I N E S E R I A L P O I S O N E R

I'd like to know who the companion of the unnamed French woman was, as it was reported earlier she was ill before she arrived in CM

And again with the "coincidence" crap. I would hope better from The Independent. To paint the authorities as washing it over? Not that they aren't.. probably..
Let's keep the facts straight
CM gov said it one press conference when the older British couple died , that was the coincidence possibly. He was referring to them dying at the same time - It has not been said since but regurgitated endlessly to sensationalize foreign reports, mostly.

Oh come on, they were coming out with piles of bullshit to explain the British deaths, vigorous sex, viagra, etc., without ANY evidence whatsoever.

I'm surprised you couldn't spot the whitewash Kappa.

^You're dead right.If bullshit was music they would be a large brass band.

Cause of Thai tourist deaths 'may never be found'
May 24, 2011

BANGKOK - THAILAND said on Tuesday that there was insufficient evidence to link a spate of mysterious tourist deaths in its northern city of Chiang Mai, and the full cause may never be known.

Five foreigners and a Thai guide died while three others fell ill while staying in the popular tourist destination between Jan 11 and Feb 19 of this year.

Six of them stayed at the same hotel, while three others were at two different hotels. Most were young women.

But beyond that there were 'few common traits' in their deaths, the Thai Ministry of Public Health's Department of Disease Control said in a statement, noting that international toxicologists were assisting the investigation.

'Despite the best efforts of Thai authorities and international partners, a complete explanation for the cause of deaths may not be found for all cases,' it added.

The dead included a young New Zealand woman, an elderly British couple and a Thai tour guide who were all taken ill in February at the Downtown Inn in Chiang Mai, Thailand's second-biggest city.

straitstimes.com

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mid

Cause of Thai tourist deaths 'may never be found'
May 24, 2011

BANGKOK - THAILAND said on Tuesday that there was insufficient evidence to link a spate of mysterious tourist deaths in its northern city of Chiang Mai, and the full cause may never be known.

Five foreigners and a Thai guide died while three others fell ill while staying in the popular tourist destination between Jan 11 and Feb 19 of this year.

Six of them stayed at the same hotel, while three others were at two different hotels. Most were young women.

But beyond that there were 'few common traits' in their deaths, the Thai Ministry of Public Health's Department of Disease Control said in a statement, noting that international toxicologists were assisting the investigation.

'Despite the best efforts of Thai authorities and international partners, a complete explanation for the cause of deaths may not be found for all cases,' it added.

The dead included a young New Zealand woman, an elderly British couple and a Thai tour guide who were all taken ill in February at the Downtown Inn in Chiang Mai, Thailand's second-biggest city.

straitstimes.com

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OK, well just give us a complete explanation for ONE of them then, you C*NTS!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Thai Ministry of Public Health's Department of Disease Control

'Despite the best efforts of Thai authorities and international partners, a complete explanation for the cause of deaths may not be found for all cases,' it added.

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Job Done :mid:

Thailand says not enough evidence to link deaths - New Zealand - NZ Herald News

Thailand says not enough evidence to link deaths

5:30 AM Thursday May 26, 2011

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/4562.jpg
Sarah Carter. Photo / Supplied

Authorities in Thailand say there is insufficient evidence to link a spate of mysterious tourist deaths, including that of New Zealander Sarah Carter, in its northern city of Chiang Mai.

Ms Carter, 23, fell violently ill on February 3 while staying at the Downtown Inn in Chiang Mai and died a day later.

Her two New Zealand friends and travelling companions, Emma Langlands and Amanda Eliason, also fell ill but later recovered.

Four other foreigners and a Thai guide also died while staying in the popular tourist destination between January 11 and February 19 of this year.

Six of those who died stayed at the Downtown Inn, while three others stayed at two different hotels.

Thai Ministry of Public Health's Department of Disease said in a statement that beyond that there were "few common traits" in their deaths, noting international toxicologists were assisting their investigation.

"Despite the best efforts of Thai authorities and international partners, a complete explanation for the cause of deaths may not be found for all cases," it added.

The statement refuted the theory that the tourists died as a result of exposure to insect control chemical chlorpyrifos.

Experts said chlorpyrifos generally emits a strong odour, which was not reported by those who fell ill, and is not usually fatal unless ingested or inhaled in very large quantities, the statement said.

"Furthermore, the details of the clinical and laboratory investigation do not support chlorpyrifos as a cause," it said,

This comes after an investigation by TV3's 60 Minutes which aired earlier this month found trace elements of chlorpyrifos, used to kill bed bugs, in the hotel room Ms Carter was staying in, prompting calls for Thai authorities to investigate.

Chiang Mai Public Health Office deputy chief Surasing Visaruthrat, who chaired a meeting attended by doctors and experts from various agencies, earlier said the chlorpyrifos theory "carries little weight", the Bangkok Post reported.

"We can't jump to a conclusion that toxin exposure was the cause of the death because the substance was allegedly found in the hotel room alone, not in the victim's body."

Ms Carter's father Richard Carter refused to accept Thai authorities assertion she probably did not die as a result of being exposed to the chemical.

"They've basically just shown that they'd prefer to cover it up rather than to put it out it in the open," Richard Carter told NZPA earlier this month.

Thailand says not enough evidence to link deaths

Good. Just put out the headline

At Least 6 Foreign Deaths in Chiang Mai in a Month, Thai Authorities Unable to find Cause!

That'd do it.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Pol the Pot

Thailand says not enough evidence to link deaths

Good. Just put out the headline

At Least 6 Foreign Deaths in Chiang Mai in a Month, Thai Authorities Unable to find Cause!

That'd do it.

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Considering how quick they were to label it "toxic seaweed poisoning" when they knew they'd already smuggled a Thai corpse down the fire escape and out the back door, I wouldn't believe a single word that comes out of their lying, corrupt mouths.

^ And again -that sources to a Drummond report about a Japanese restaurant Ms. Vorster ate at allegedly.

since this has become the 'unusual way to die' thread - seems eating cucumbers can be a risky business too

Nine dead in German E. coli outbreak
May 29, 2011
BERLIN: Two more Germans, both women, died yesterday of a bacterial outbreak allegedly caused by contaminated Spanish cucumbers, bringing the number of deaths to nine.
Almost 300 people have become sick with haemolytic uremic syndrome, or HUS, in recent days. HUS is a rare complication arising from an infection most commonly associated with E. coli, a bacterium found in undercooked beef or contaminated food.
German officials said they found three cucumbers from Spain with the bacterium and they were investigating whether the cucumbers were contaminated when they were shipped from southern Spain, or if they went bad during shipment or while being handled in Germany.

Associated Press

Quote:

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Originally Posted by KAPPA

^ And again -that sources to a Drummond report about a Japanese restaurant Ms. Vorster ate at allegedly.

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No it doesn't. Start reading from the beginning of the thread.

Harry B. .
the first mention in this thread toxic seaweed has no link or source and is by Peter Pan. And note The only attrib. report within first posts does not mention seaweed . it's the same crappy sloppy NZ press picking up on the, " fian'ce reports she ate at Jap restaurant.." from Drummond/ but about VORSTER I suspect
Jeez this is an exercise in internet misinfo. Classic study.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by KAPPA

Harry B. .
the first mention in this thread toxic seaweed has no link or source and is by Peter Pan. And note The only attrib. report within first posts does not mention seaweed . it's the same crappy sloppy NZ press picking up on the, " fian'ce reports she ate at Jap restaurant.." from Drummond/ but about VORSTER I suspect
Jeez this is an exercise in internet misinfo. Classic study.

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Exactly, in the Vorster case a specific restaurant was named. In the case of Carter, a "local food court" was mentioned, which in that area narrows it to Kalare or Anusarn.

They themselves said they'd eaten at one, and even identified what they'd eaten.

My guess is the toxic seaweed crap came from the a conversation between the Doctor, the hotel manager trying to point the finger elsewhere and an overzealous New Zealand reporter.

I haven't seen Drummond report any hearsay other than by saying it's hearsay.

I think you're picking on the wrong person.

I am just trying to ascertain facts without undue prejudice. Mr. Mah was hearsay, was reported by Drummond and has been disassociated in manner I think is professional. I await Drummond future reports eagerly and appreciate the exposure he gives the cases.

The NZ press is bad , there were some bad Canadian articles too and a lot of misinformation is going about.

I think this has the attention it warrants, but yes probably too late to do any good.