Two Australian women who were hospitalized after drinking cocktails at a luxury hotel in Fiji are now in stable condition and preparing to return home. The incident occurred at the Warwick Fiji resort along the Coral Coast, where four Australian women, aged between 18 and 56, were among seven individuals that required medical attention on Saturday.
David Sandoe, a resident of Sydney, shared that his daughter Tanya and granddaughter Georgia had consumed the cocktails in question. Unfortunately, Georgia experienced a seizure, prompting them to seek treatment, and they spent Saturday night and Sunday in the hospital. Fortunately, they have since been discharged and are being accompanied by Australian consular staff to the airport, with their arrival in Sydney anticipated yesterday evening.
Mr. Sandoe expressed relief at their recovery, emphasizing how distressing it was to receive a call at night about their condition. He noted, “It’s very difficult to take a call at 11 o’clock at night and your daughter and granddaughter are away — and your daughter says that they have been poisoned and they’re in hospital.” He conveyed that the family had been looking forward to a relaxing holiday in Fiji.
The women’s family came together with another mother-daughter duo who also fell ill after drinking a similar cocktail; they remain hospitalized. According to officials from Fiji’s Ministry of Health, the patients exhibited symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and neurological issues. Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister and Tourism Minister, Viliame Gavoka, indicated that while the case is serious, the two remaining hospitalized individuals are stable. He also mentioned that a toxicology report is pending, raising the possibility of methanol poisoning, although he expressed doubt about such incidents occurring in Fiji.
In summary, while this incident highlights the potential dangers associated with food and beverage consumption abroad, it’s promising to see that the affected individuals are recovering. This situation serves as a reminder for travelers to be cautious and proactive regarding their health while enjoying their vacations.
With strong medical support and a focus on safety, there is hope that lessons will be learned from this incident, ultimately helping to ensure the well-being of all visitors in Fiji.
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