Seven tourists have been hospitalized in Fiji for suspected poisoning after drinking cocktails at a bar in an upscale resort on Saturday. The four Australians, aged 18 to 56, and three foreign nationals were taken to the hospital with symptoms including nausea, vomiting, and “neurological symptoms.” As of Monday, they were reported to be in stable condition.
The incident comes just weeks after six tourists died from methanol poisoning after drinking at a bar in Laos. Dr Jemesa Tudravu, permanent secretary for Fiji’s Ministry of Health & Medical Services, said it was too soon to determine if methanol was the cause, as investigations are ongoing.
Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister Viliame R. Gavoka assured travelers that the incident is “extremely isolated” and there have been no other reports of similar incidents at the resort or across Fiji. The Warwick Hotels and Resorts, which operates the resort, has denied engaging in practices such as substituting ingredients or altering drink quality.
The Australian government has issued travel warnings about the potential risks of drink spiking and alcohol poisoning in Fiji, advising tourists to be cautious when consuming alcohol abroad.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2024/12/15/world/fiji-tourists-cocktail-drinks-hospitalization-intl-hnk/index.html