Seven foreign tourists were hospitalized in Fiji due to suspected poisoning linked to consuming pina coladas at the Warwick Hotel & Resort, according to local health officials. The affected individuals include five tourists from Australia and the US, as well as two expatriates residing in Fiji. Initial reports indicated serious conditions; however, authorities stated that symptoms have improved, and some tourists are expected to be discharged soon.
This incident follows a tragic event in Laos where six tourists died from suspected methanol poisoning, prompting heightened concern for traveler safety. Fiji tourism chief Brent Hill reassured the public that this case is distinct and maintains that the resort has not compromised drink quality or utilized unsafe ingredient substitutions.
Patients initially received care at Sigatoka Hospital before being transferred to Lautoka Hospital. Affected parties include Australian residents; one Sydney father recounted receiving distressing news from his daughter regarding their hospitalization. Reports indicate varying levels of medical complications among those hospitalized, with some suffering neurological symptoms.
The Warwick Fiji resort has acknowledged the ongoing investigation into the complaint of "suspected alcohol poisoning" and aims to provide a thorough report alongside health authority findings. Fiji police are also exploring circumstances surrounding the incident.
Assistance for affected Australian families is being coordinated through the consulate, while other nations have reported no additional claims for help. Australian officials have issued precautionary warnings about the risks of drink spiking and methanol poisoning, advising tourists to seek immediate medical attention if they suspect any issues with their beverages.
As investigations continue, Fiji’s tourism ministry emphasizes this occurrence as an "extremely isolated incident" and seeks to reassure the global travel community of the safety measures in place.
