The passing of Melbourne teenager Bianca Jones from suspected methanol poisoning in Laos is “every parent’s worst fear”, Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says, as the US State Department confirms an American also died in the same town, bringing the death toll to four in the poisoning incident.

Albanese paid tribute to the 19-year-old in federal parliament on Thursday, as her friend Holly Bowles, also 19, continues to fight for her life in a Bangkok hospital.

“This is every parent’s very worst fear and a nightmare that no one should have to endure,” Albanese said.

“Bianca’s trip should have been a joyous time and a source of fond memories in years to come.

“Memories that she should have carried with her into the long, bright future that lay ahead of her. It is beyond sad that this is not to be.”

Australia said “several foreign nationals” had also been victims of methanol poisoning. 

The US State Department confirmed that an American tourist had also died, but said it had no further comment out of respect to the families.

Manager Duong Duc Toan in the bar of of Nana Backpack hostel in Vang Vieng, Laos. – AP 

Denmark’s Foreign Ministry, when asked about the poisoning incident, said two of its citizens had died in Laos but would not provide further details.

New Zealand’s Foreign Ministry said one of its citizens was also unwell in Laos and could be a victim of methanol poisoning.

“We have updated our travel advisory for Laos to note that there have been several cases of suspected methanol poisoning after consuming alcoholic drinks,” New Zealand’s Foreign Ministry said.

“Travellers are advised to be cautious about consuming alcoholic beverages, particularly cocktails and drinks made with spirits that may have been adulterated with harmful substances.”

Shaun Bowles told reporters outside Bangkok Hospital on Wednesday that his daughter remained in critical condition and on life support.

“We just like to thank everyone from back home for all of the support and love that we’re receiving,” he said.

“But we’d also like the people to appreciate right now, we just need privacy so we can spend as much time as we can with Holly.”

Bianca's family earlier confirmed her death in a statement to the Herald Sun, saying she was “surrounded by love” in her final moments

Bianc and Holly, from Beaumaris in Melbourne’s southeast, had been holidaying in Laos when they became ill along with a dozen other tourists in the popular town of Vang Vieng last week.

They had planned to stay at the Nana Backpacker Hostel in Vang Vieng and drank at the venue before reportedly going to a Jaidee bar on November 11.

The two 19-year-olds did not leave their dorm room for 24 hours and reported feeling unwell on November 13.

Both teens were later taken to separate hospitals in Bangkok and their families flew from Melbourne to be at their bedsides.

Foreign tourists at Nana Backpack hostel in Vang Vieng, Laos. – AP

Bianca's federal MP, Zoe Daniel, became emotional as she also paid tribute to the teenagers in parliament.

“To the families of these two young Aussie girls who just headed off on an adventure together,” the MP for Goldstein said.

“I know that so many members of our community are connected to these girls, to these families, I feel your grief. Our hearts are broken.”

Foreign Minister Penny Wong said drink spiking and methanol poisoning were “far too common in many parts of the world”.

“At this time I would say to parents, to young people, please have a conversation about risks, please inform yourselves, please let’s work together to ensure this tragedy does not happen again,” she said.

Hostel manager Duong Duc Toan said the Australian women had joined more than 100 other guests for free shots of Lao vodka offered by the hostel as a gesture of hospitality.

British lawyer Simone White, 28, from Kent, was among a reported dozen taken to hospital, The Times reported.

Her friend Bethany Clarke urged tourists in the region to avoid local spirits after their group fell ill.

“Our group stayed in Vang Vieng and we drank free shots offered by one of the bars. Just avoid them as so not worth it,” she wrote in a Laos backpacking Facebook group.

“Six of us who drank from the same place are in hospital currently with methanol poisoning.”

The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has been contacted for comment.

Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said consular assistance was being provided to the families of the two Australians girls.