Seven individuals, including four Australian tourists, have been hospitalized in Fiji due to suspected alcohol poisoning after consuming cocktails at a five-star resort.
The affected individuals, aged between 18 and 56, experienced severe symptoms shortly after drinking at the Warwick Fiji resort bar on the Coral Coast.
Among those hospitalized are four Australians, one American tourist, and two expatriates living in Fiji.
The incident initially raised serious health concerns, with some individuals reported to be critically ill.
However, local health officials confirmed on Sunday that all seven are now in stable condition.
The patients displayed symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and neurological complications shortly after drinking cocktails on Saturday night.
They were initially admitted to Sigatoka Hospital before being transferred to Lautoka Hospital for advanced care.
A 56-year-old Australian woman remains under constant medical supervision, while a 19-year-old Australian woman reportedly suffered “serious medical episodes.”
Two other Australian women, aged 49 and 18, were also initially in critical but less severe condition, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation
At least one local Fijian is also believed to have been affected in the same incident, Radio New Zealand reported.
The Warwick Fiji resort issued a statement expressing its commitment to investigating the incident thoroughly. “We are taking the matter very seriously and awaiting test results from health authorities to gather all necessary information,” the resort said.
Fijian police have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the poisoning, while health authorities are conducting tests on the suspected beverages.
This incident comes just weeks after six tourists died in Laos from suspected methanol poisoning after consuming contaminated alcohol.
Australian tourism chief Brent Hill emphasized that while Fiji’s incident is alarming, it remains “a long way” from the severity of the Laos case.
Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has since issued a warning for travelers to Fiji, urging vigilance regarding drink spiking and the potential risks of methanol poisoning.
Australian officials are providing consular assistance to two affected families, while New Zealand authorities have confirmed no requests for assistance from their citizens. The British High Commission also stated that no British nationals were involved.
Australian Minister Jason Clare described the situation as “terrifying,” noting the striking similarities to the recent Laos tragedy, which claimed the lives of two 19-year-old Australians.
Authorities have advised tourists to be cautious about consuming alcoholic beverages in Fiji, particularly from unknown or unverified sources.
Travelers are urged to seek immediate medical assistance if they suspect drink spiking or methanol poisoning.
