Mystery illness strikes tourists at Fijian luxury resort
Seven foreign tourists were taken to the hospital in Fiji after consuming cocktails at the five-star Warwick resort. Authorities suspect alcohol poisoning.
According to NBCNews, one American, four Australians, and two foreigners of undisclosed nationality were affected.
Tourists hospitalised after drinking cocktails
The tourists experienced nausea, vomiting, and neurological symptoms after having drinks at the hotel bar near the city of Sigatoka.
A spokesperson for Fiji's Ministry of Health, Jemesa Tudravu, reported that two tourists remain in the hospital in stable condition, while five have already been discharged. The cause of their ailments is not yet known, and authorities emphasise that it's too early to determine if contaminated alcohol caused them.
Fiji's Minister of Tourism, Viliame R. Gavoka, noted that no similar cases have been reported at this resort or elsewhere in the country. The resort management has assured us that they have not engaged in practices such as substituting ingredients or altering the quality of drinks served to guests," Gavoka said, as quoted by NBCNews.
The resort's spokeswoman, Savaira Molaucake, emphasised in a conversation with NBCNews that the matter is being taken very seriously, and the hotel is conducting a thorough investigation, awaiting the results of authorities' examinations. "We are currently working jointly with the authorities to determine what caused this unfortunate incident. We are committed to ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone who visits our resort," she stated.
Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers confirmed that four Australians have been hospitalised. He also informed that Australia had updated its travel warnings for Fiji, cautioning about the risk of alcoholic drinks being contaminated with methanol. "Don’t leave your drinks unattended. Pay attention when your drinks are being mixed and get urgent medical help if you suspect that something is wrong," he urged.
