BADUNG, Bali – International media have been reporting widely on the case of six foreign tourists who suffered acute diarrhea, with one of them dying while staying at a hostel in Canggu, North Kuta, Badung. The deceased was identified as Deqingzhuoga (25), a Chinese national.

The incident occurred on 2 September 2025 and quickly drew attention after several foreign outlets suggested the tourists may have been exposed to bedbug fumigation chemicals inside or near the hostel. Other reports mentioned the possibility of food poisoning shared among the group.

Local police, however, state that the preliminary findings indicate the victim died from acute diarrheal illness.

Aiptu Ni Nyoman Ayu Inastuti, Head of Public Information at Badung Police, explained that the exact cause of death cannot be determined immediately, but signs of gastrointestinal irritation leading to diarrhea and severe dehydration were present. “The possibility of death due to irritation of the digestive tract resulting in diarrhea and loss of fluids and electrolytes cannot be ruled out,” Ayu said, as quoted by Antara on Friday (21/11/2025).

Police also sent samples of the victim’s vomit to the Denpasar Forensic Laboratory. Tests showed no traces of pesticides, narcotics, cyanide, arsenic, hazardous chemicals, or methanol.

An autopsy conducted at Prof. Ngoerah General Hospital in Denpasar found no signs of violence. Internal examinations revealed small hemorrhages and dilated blood vessels on the stomach lining, dark greenish fluid in the stomach cavity, reddish patches in parts of the small intestine, and an empty large intestine—clinical indicators consistent with acute diarrhea or gastrointestinal disease.

Apart from Deqingzhuoga, several other guests developed similar symptoms and were rushed to separate medical facilities. They included:
– Mingmin Lei (37) of China, Melanie Irene (22) of Germany, and Alisa Kokonozi (22), who shared Room 8 with the victim.
– Alahmadi Yousef Mohammed (26) of Saudi Arabia, Cana Clifford Jay (27) of the Philippines, and Zhou Shanshan (29) of China, who occupied Room 5.

Chronology of the Illness

According to witness statements from hostel staff, on Monday (1/9) at around 20:00 WITA, Deqingzhuoga went to the reception desk complaining of headaches, back pain, and extreme fatigue. He vomited once near his bed. Staff offered him food, but he declined and only requested water and bananas.

Staff also suggested calling a doctor or a nearby clinic. The victim asked about the medical cost, but the clinic had not provided a definite estimate, causing him to hesitate.

Around 23:30 WITA, before the staff member finished her shift, she checked on him again and encouraged him to visit a clinic. The victim agreed, and they travelled by ride-hailing service around 00:30 WITA.

“At the clinic, the victim received initial treatment, but because he did not have enough money, he was only given a prescription,” Ayu explained.

He later purchased the medicine at a pharmacy next door.

Condition Worsens the Next Day

By Tuesday (2/9/2025), several of the victim’s roommates and other guests began experiencing nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. They were taken to different medical facilities: BIMC Hospital Kuta, Siloam Hospital Kuta, and Nusa Medical Clinic.

Meanwhile, Deqingzhuoga failed to check out. He was found lying on the floor of his room, unresponsive.

Police from North Kuta Sub-Precinct conducted a crime scene investigation. The room was already open, and the victim had been examined earlier by a doctor from Nusa Medical Clinic.

Initial external examination showed no pulse, no signs of physical assault, and indications of severe dehydration. The victim was estimated to have died 2–12 hours before discovery.

Medication Found at the Scene

Police also recovered various medications believed to belong to the victim, including Lorano Akut, Ibuhexal Akut, paracetamol, amoxicillin 500 mg, prednisolone 5 mg, vitamin C (Vicee 500), Fenbid capsules, and two unlabelled packets of medicine found inside a black backpack.

“Based on the overall findings, the victim’s death is strongly suspected to have been caused by a medical condition rather than criminal activity. Nevertheless, the investigation will continue to determine the definitive cause,” Ayu said.

The case continues to draw international attention due to earlier reports suggesting possible poisoning, though laboratory and autopsy findings so far align more closely with acute gastrointestinal illness among the affected tourists.