Seven foreign tourists hospitalised in Fiji over suspected alcohol poisoning

The incident mirrors a case in Laos last month, where six tourists died from alcohol contaminated with methanol

Seven foreign tourists, including one American, have been hospitalized in Fiji following a suspected case of alcohol poisoning at a luxury resort, officials have confirmed. The guests were taken to hospital after drinking cocktails at the five-star Warwick Resort, located near Sigatoka on Fiji's Coral Coast.

The group, which also included four Australians and two other foreign nationals, showed symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and neurological issues, according to the Fiji Health Ministry. A spokesperson for the ministry, Jemesa Tudravu, provided the update to the Associated Press.

Fiji Tourism Minister Viliame R. Gavoka stated that two individuals remained in stable condition on Monday, while the other five had been discharged. The cause of the illness remains unclear, with officials cautioning that it was too early to confirm whether contaminated alcohol was involved.

The incident bears similarities to a case in Laos last month, where six foreign tourists died after consuming alcohol contaminated with methanol. The victims in that case included one American and two Australian teenagers.

Gavoka reassured the public that there were no other reports of similar illnesses at the Warwick Resort or elsewhere in Fiji, a nation with a population of approximately 930,000. He emphasized that the resort, which holds a "strong reputation," has assured authorities that no practices, such as substituting ingredients or altering the quality of drinks, were involved.

A resort spokesperson, Savaira Molaucake, stated that they were taking the matter “very seriously” and conducting a thorough investigation while awaiting test results from the authorities. "At this moment, we do not have conclusive details, but we are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our guests," Molaucake told NBC News.

Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers, speaking in Canberra, confirmed that four Australians were among those affected. He added that Fiji police were investigating the cause of the illnesses. "We are thinking of the friends and family of the people who are affected, this is no doubt a very distressing time for them," he said.

David Sandoe, an Australian national whose daughter and granddaughter were among the hospitalized, praised the hotel and Fiji police for their efforts in keeping everyone informed. "They've been fantastic," he told Sky News Australia.

In response to the incident, Australia has updated its travel advisory for Fiji, urging caution over the potential risk of alcoholic drinks being spiked or poisoned 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," Chalmers advised.