Mon Dec 16 06:10:00 UTC 2024: **Seven Hospitalized After Drinking Cocktails at Fiji Resort**
NAdi, Fiji – Seven people, including four Australian women, were hospitalized after consuming cocktails at the Warwick Resort on Fiji’s Coral Coast on Saturday. The incident prompted a travel warning update from Australian officials, highlighting the risks of drink spiking and methanol poisoning.
The affected individuals experienced nausea, vomiting, and neurological symptoms, including seizures. Two Australian women, a mother and daughter, have since been discharged and returned home to Australia, while two others remain hospitalized in stable condition. Three others, including two US nationals and a Fijian, were also treated but released from the hospital.
The Fiji Health Ministry and police are investigating the incident, conducting toxicology tests to determine the cause of the illness. While methanol poisoning is suspected, Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister and Tourism Minister, Viliame Gavoka, stressed that the incident was isolated and that the country remains safe for tourists. He emphasized the hospitality industry’s shock and stated that damage control measures are in place to restore international confidence in Fijian tourism.
The Australian government has updated its travel advisory for Fiji, advising tourists to exercise caution when consuming alcoholic beverages. Australian consular officials are providing assistance to the affected Australian families. The Warwick Resort remains operational, but has declined further comment pending the investigation. The incident comes just a month after two Australian women died from methanol poisoning in Laos, raising concerns about the potential for similar incidents. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to determine the exact cause of the illnesses.
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