Tourists Die in Sri Lanka After Hostel Fumigation for Bedbugs

Two tourists died in Sri Lanka after suspected pesticide poisoning linked to hostel fumigation for bedbugs. Ebony McIntosh from England and Nadine Raguse from Germany were hospitalized after experiencing severe symptoms. An official investigation is underway, and McIntosh’s family is seeking funds to travel to Sri Lanka following her untimely death.

In Sri Lanka, two tourists have tragically lost their lives, suspected to be due to pesticide poisoning following fumigation for bedbugs at their hostel. Ebony McIntosh, aged 24 from Derby, England, and Nadine Raguse, a 26-year-old from Germany, were staying at the Miracle Colombo City hostel in Colombo when they fell ill. McIntosh was hospitalized last Saturday, while authorities are examining the potential link between their illness and the pesticides used in the fumigation process.

This incident sheds light on the risks associated with pesticide use in hospitality settings, particularly regarding guest safety. Fumigation procedures, while necessary to address pest infestations like bedbugs, must be conducted with extreme caution. The Sri Lankan police are presently investigating the circumstances surrounding the tourists’ deaths, and an autopsy is scheduled to clarify the cause of McIntosh’s death once her family arrives in Sri Lanka.

The tragic deaths of Ebony McIntosh and Nadine Raguse raise serious concerns regarding health and safety measures in hostels. The ongoing investigation into pesticide poisoning highlights the critical need for stringent safety protocols during pest control practices. Furthermore, the response from local authorities and the British government underscores the importance of supporting affected families during such crises.

Original Source: www.cnn.com