Seven foreign nationals were hospitalized in Fiji following a suspected case of alcohol poisoning after consuming pina coladas at a luxury resort bar, local authorities reported.
The group includes five tourists, one from the United States and the rest from Australia, aged between 18 and 56, along with two foreign residents of Fiji. The health ministry confirmed that the individuals displayed symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and neurological distress shortly after drinking the rum-based cocktail at the Warwick Fiji resort, located on the Coral Coast.
Initially, some of the victims were reported to be in critical condition, but health officials provided an update on Monday, stating that their conditions had improved and some were expected to be discharged from the hospital. Local authorities have emphasized that this incident remains isolated, and there have been no additional cases.
This latest incident follows closely on the heels of a tragedy in Laos, where six tourists died from suspected methanol poisoning. However, Fiji’s tourism chief, Brent Hill, downplayed the comparison, telling RNZ that the situation in Fiji was “a long way from that” of the Laos incident.
Following the onset of symptoms, the affected tourists were first treated at Sigatoka Hospital before being transferred to Lautoka Hospital, according to the Fiji Times. The Warwick Fiji resort is cooperating with local investigations, and authorities have not yet determined the cause of the suspected poisoning.
Fiji’s Tourism Minister, Viliame Gavoka, reassured the public, calling the incident an “extremely isolated” case. He further stated that the resort claimed no irregularities in its operations, denying any practices such as substituting ingredients or altering the quality of beverages served to guests.
David Sandoe, a Sydney resident, spoke to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) about the ordeal. His daughter, Tanya, and granddaughter, Georgia, were among those affected. He recounted receiving a late-night call informing him of the poisoning, with his granddaughter experiencing a seizure. Fortunately, Sandoe noted that both were now “doing very well” as they prepared to return home.
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation also reported that a 56-year-old Australian woman was under medical surveillance and that a 19-year-old Australian woman had suffered serious medical episodes.
In a statement to the BBC, the Warwick Fiji hotel confirmed it was aware of the suspected alcohol poisoning and was taking the matter “very seriously.” The resort indicated that a thorough investigation was underway, with authorities awaiting test results to better understand the cause of the incident.
Fiji police are also investigating the circumstances surrounding the event. The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) confirmed that two Australian families are receiving consular assistance, while the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported no requests for help in connection with the poisoning.
There were no reports of British nationals being affected by the incident.
The Australian government has advised tourists in Fiji to remain vigilant about the risks of drink spiking and methanol poisoning, urging anyone who suspects such incidents to seek immediate medical attention.
As authorities continue to investigate, the event has raised concerns about safety protocols at resorts in Fiji and the broader region, particularly in light of the recent tragedy in Laos.
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