Seven tourists were hospitalized in Fiji after consuming potentially contaminated cocktails at a five-star resort. The incident occurred at the Warwick Fiji resort, located on the picturesque Coral Coast, where guests reported symptoms including nausea, vomiting, and neurological issues shortly after drinking piña coladas on Saturday night.
Details of the Incident
Among the affected tourists were four Australians, one American, and two others whose nationalities have not been disclosed. The group, aged between 18 and 56, was initially treated at Sigatoka Hospital before being transferred to Lautoka Hospital for further care. As of Monday, all seven individuals were reported to be in stable condition, with some already discharged.
Fiji’s Health Ministry has launched an investigation into the cause of the illness. Toxicology tests are underway, but results are expected to take several days. Officials are particularly concerned due to a recent tragic incident in Laos, where six tourists died from suspected methanol poisoning after consuming tainted drinks.
Official Responses
Fiji’s Tourism Minister Viliame Gavoka reassured the public that this incident appears isolated. He emphasized that no other cases have been reported at the resort or elsewhere in Fiji. The minister noted that the Warwick Fiji resort has a strong reputation for safety and quality service.
A spokesperson for the Warwick Fiji hotel stated that they are cooperating with health authorities and conducting their own investigation into the matter. They expressed their commitment to ensuring guest safety and well-being.
Advice for Tourists
In light of this incident, Australian officials have updated travel advisories for Fiji. They recommend that travelers remain vigilant about drink safety. Tourists are advised not to leave drinks unattended and to seek immediate medical assistance if they suspect any issues with their beverages.
This alarming event has raised concerns about alcohol safety in tourist destinations. However, officials stress that Fiji remains a generally safe destination for travelers.
The situation continues to develop as health authorities await toxicology results to determine the exact cause of the tourists’ illnesses.
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