Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Linked to 3 American Women's Deaths in Belize.

Three American women—Kaoutar Naqqad, 23, Imane Mallah, 24, and Wafae El-Arar, 26—were found dead at the Royal Kahal Beach Resort in Belize on February 22.

Authorities are now investigating the possibility that carbon monoxide poisoning may have been a factor in their tragic deaths, which occurred just days after the women checked into the resort's Bird of Paradise Suite on February 19.

The Initial Investigation: Drug Overdose Suspected

At first, police considered a drug overdose as the potential cause of death, particularly after alcohol and gummies were found in the hotel room. However, local authorities have since expanded their investigation to include carbon monoxide exposure.

Police Commissioner Chester Williams mentioned in a March 19 news conference that the possibility of poisoning had been raised following reports from previous hotel guests, who claimed to have detected dangerous levels of carbon monoxide during their stay.

Carbon Monoxide Concerns at the Royal Kahal Beach Resort

The issue of carbon monoxide has become a central point in the investigation. Guests at the Royal Kahal Beach Resort reported using their own carbon monoxide detectors, which indicated elevated levels of the gas.

While the initial tests conducted by the authorities have not yet yielded results, the hotel was temporarily closed for inspection. It's still unclear if the resort has reopened, but authorities are working to determine whether the resort’s facilities could have contributed to the women’s deaths.

The Risks of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon monoxide is a deadly, odorless, and colorless gas that is responsible for hundreds of deaths every year.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the gas is produced by household items such as gas-burning furnaces, portable generators, and charcoal grills. CO poisoning can occur when these items malfunction or emit dangerous amounts of the gas in poorly ventilated spaces, leading to severe illness or death.

Family Demands Transparency in the Investigation

The families of the victims have expressed deep concern over the situation. In a statement shared with NBC News, they stated their alarm over reports of carbon monoxide exposure in the hotel. They called for a full and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

The families have also demanded clearer answers from both the authorities in Belize and the U.S. regarding the hotel’s closure and the cause of death, urging for accountability as the investigation continues.

While toxicology reports from both Belize and the U.S. are expected within the next week or two, the investigation into carbon monoxide poisoning remains ongoing. As this case unfolds, it highlights the dangers of exposure to this invisible killer and the importance of regular safety checks in hotel accommodations, particularly those with older or unmaintained equipment.

The families of the deceased women continue to await answers, hoping for closure and a more thorough understanding of the events that led to this tragic loss.

Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning occurs when you inhale too much carbon monoxide gas, which can prevent oxygen from reaching your body's tissues and organs. Since CO is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, it can be difficult to detect without a CO detector.

Signs and Symptoms:

• Early symptoms often resemble the flu, including:

  • Headache

  • Dizziness

  • Weakness

  • Nausea or vomiting

  • Shortness of breath

  • Confusion

• Severe poisoning may cause:

  • Loss of consciousness

  • Seizures

  • Chest pain

  • Visual disturbances (like blurry vision)

Complications:

If not treated quickly, carbon monoxide poisoning can lead to serious health issues, such as:

• Brain damage: Prolonged exposure can lead to memory loss, cognitive dysfunction, or difficulty concentrating.

• Heart damage: Can cause arrhythmias or even heart attacks.

• Death: High levels of CO can be fatal.

Treatment involves immediate removal from the source of CO and providing oxygen therapy to help replace the CO in the bloodstream with oxygen. In severe cases, hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be used.