Mysterious Poisoning at Bali Tourist Hostel: One Dead, Over 20 Hospitalized

Concern is growing over the widespread illness and death of a tourist at a hostel in Canggu, a popular tourist area of Bali, Indonesia. 25-year-old Chinese tourist Deqing Zhuoga (known locally as Miss Y) fell seriously ill while staying at the $9 Clandestino Hostel.

She was taken to the hospital after experiencing severe vomiting, chills, and fainting but died that night. The hostel dormitories had been fumigated the previous day due to a bedbug infestation.

Many suspect that the insecticide may have been the cause of the poisoning. More than 20 tourists have already fallen ill with similar symptoms, 10 of whom were in critical condition.

The First Stage of The Incident

On the night of August 31, Deqing Zhuoga and her roommate Leila Li attended a communal dinner at the hostel. As the night wore on, guests complained of high fever, vomiting blood, dizziness and repeated fainting spells.

Some collapsed in the corridors and sought medical help from staff but received no immediate response. The next day, several tourists were admitted to the local medical center and BIMC Hospital. Leila Li fought for her life in the ICU for five days.

The Night of Her Death

The hostel receptionist was worried after seeing Juoga for the last time and sent her to the clinic with the help of security guards. Although he received first aid there, he was given medicine and returned to the hostel due to lack of money.

She returned to his bed at around 1:30 am. The next morning, she was found lying face down. According to the doctor’s report, she died of acute gastroenteritis and hypovolemic shock, although the source of the poisoning is still unknown.

Suspicion of Poisoning

Leila Li claimed, based on medical records, that it was not a simple ‘sand belly,’ but pesticide and food poisoning. She said that every time he got better with treatment, the symptoms would reappear when he returned to her room. She also mentioned the bedbug fumigation in the next room the night before Zuogar died.

Guest Outrage

Another tourist, Leslie Zhao, said that no one warned her that several guests had been taken to the hospital the previous night. She lay sick in the bathroom for seven hours, but the staff did not come to her aid.

She was later taken to the hospital in critical condition. She expressed her anger, saying that the hostel is still taking bookings, but no one has even apologized.

Netizen’s Reaction

Many users have suggested that the insecticide used to control bedbugs could be the cause of the poisoning. Some said that while there are risks to staying in cheap accommodation, cleanliness and safety should be ensured everywhere.

Others pointed out that such incidents have happened in Bali before and that the possibility of poisoning from bedbug pesticides is high.

Complaints on Travel Platforms

Numerous sick tourists have requested Booking.com and Agoda to remove the hostel, but they claim that their complaints are being ignored. Online reviews have also complained about the bedbug problem and the staff’s privacy.

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