By Reeturaj - Dec 17, 2024
Seven foreigners, including five tourists and two residents, were hospitalized in Fiji after drinking piña coladas at a five-star resort. The victims experienced symptoms like nausea and vomiting. While some were initially in serious condition, their health has since improved, and some are expected to be discharged. Fiji's tourism minister called the incident isolated, and the resort in question is taking the matter seriously. The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has warned tourists about potential drink spiking risks.
Christian Haugen via Flickr
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Seven foreigners, including five tourists and two residents, were hospitalized in Fiji after drinking piña coladas at a bar in a five-star resort. The incident occurred at the Warwick Fiji resort on the Coral Coast, where the victims experienced nausea, vomiting, and neurological symptoms shortly after consuming the rum cocktail. Among the tourists, five are from Australia and one is from the United States, with ages ranging from 18 to 56.
Initial reports indicated that some of the victims were in serious condition; however, local officials later stated that their symptoms have improved, and some are expected to be discharged. According to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), a 56-year-old Australian woman is under constant surveillance in the hospital, while a 19-year-old woman has experienced serious medical episodes. Two Australians, a mother and daughter, have been cleared to return home.
Fiji's tourism minister, Viliame Gavok, characterized the incident as "extremely isolated" and emphasized that the resort did not engage in practices such as substituting ingredients or altering the quality of the drinks served to guests. The Warwick Fiji hotel acknowledged the suspected alcohol poisoning and stated that it was taking the matter "very seriously." The resort is conducting a thorough investigation while awaiting test results from health authorities.
The incident has raised concerns about drink spiking and methanol poisoning in Fiji, especially following a similar incident in Laos that resulted in the deaths of six tourists. Australian minister Jason Clare expressed his concerns regarding the similarity between the two cases, stating, "There's a real terrifying sense of déjà vu." The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has advised tourists to remain vigilant about the potential risks of drink spiking and methanol poisoning and to seek urgent medical help if they suspect any issues. The incident is under investigation by Fiji police, and no further cases have been reported.