25-Year-Old Tourist Dead, Multiple Others Hospitalized After Suspected Poisoning at Hostel: Reports

A 25-year-old tourist has died and several others were hospitalized after a suspected poisoning incident at a backpacking hostel in Bali, according to reports.

Deqing Zhuoga, from China, had been staying at the low-cost Clandestino Hostel in the coastal resort village of Canggu when she became violently ill after a communal dinner, suffering intense vomiting and chills, per Sky News Australia.

Zhuoga died in the early hours of Sept. 2, Sky News Australia reported, citing local authorities. Her body was discovered after staff realized she had not checked out.

Shortly before midnight local time on the night before her death, the receptionist on duty reportedly checked on Zhuoga. The receptionist and security staff then carried her to a taxi to take her to a nearby clinic, Sky News Australia said.

“The doctor provided initial treatment but, due to lack of funds, only prescribed medication,” local police Inspector Ahmad said, per Sky News Australia. The group returned to the hostel around 1:30 a.m., and Zhuoga was found dead later that morning.

Authorities have listed the cause of death as acute gastroenteritis and hypovolaemic shock, per Sky News Australia.

“Gastroenteritis is inflammation that spreads from your stomach into your intestines, causing pain, vomiting and diarrhea,” per the Cleveland Clinic.

The website adds, “Hypovolemic shock is a serious medical problem that requires immediate treatment. A large loss of blood or fluids prevents your organs from getting the oxygen and nutrients they need to function. This can lead to organ failure and can be fatal.”

Zhuoga’s friend, Leila Li, who had been sharing a room with her, was also hospitalized and spent five days in intensive care, according to the Daily Mail.

“More than 20 people suffered collective poisoning, at least ten were in critical condition, and one person died,” Li told the outlet, which identified the victim only as Miss Y.

Li told the Daily Mail she checked into the accommodation on Aug. 31 and met Zhuoga at a communal dinner that evening. Later that night, multiple guests began to fall ill, she said.

Li added that her doctor told her she had pesticide poisoning as well as food poisoning.

“My attending doctor has confirmed it was pesticide poisoning and food poisoning,” she said. “I went to the medical [center] three times and each time my condition improved, but when I went back to my room to rest the symptoms would reoccur.”

Zhuoga’s older sister reportedly contacted the hostel after not hearing from her since Aug. 31, but was told staff had no details because police had not shared information with them, news.com.au reported.

The family was later informed that Zhuoga’s body had been stored in a rural hospital freezer for more than 20 days, per news.com.au.

Other guests who fell ill included travelers from Germany, Saudi Arabia, the Philippines and China, according to Sky News Australia, citing victims later named in police reports.

The hostel has faced criticism from former guests over an alleged bedbug infestation. The room where Zhuoga died is currently being quarantined, per news.com.au.

Clandestino Hostel still appeared to be taking bookings through its website as of Thursday, Nov. 20. A six-bed mixed shared dormitory was listed at just under $9 a night.

The Clandestino Hostel did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Authorities have also been contacted for additional information.