An American tourist and two foreign residents of Fiji are among a group of seven individuals who fell ill after consuming cocktails at a resort. The situation has raised alarms, particularly as four Australians remain critically ill in the hospital with suspected alcohol poisoning.
Reports indicate that one of the Australians, a 56-year-old woman, is under close medical supervision, while a 19-year-old is facing severe health complications. Two other women, aged 49 and 18, are also in critical condition, albeit with slightly more stable health.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade has been contacted regarding the potential involvement of any New Zealanders in this unfortunate incident. Local journalist Mereoni Mili stated that health ministry inspectors and police are currently investigating the matter to determine the exact cause behind this alarming situation. They have confirmed that all affected individuals consumed cocktails at the hotel’s bar.
The critically ill patients are being treated at Lautoka Hospital, approximately three and a half hours from the Warwick Resort where the incident occurred. An update on the condition of the patients is expected later on Monday.
Mili mentioned the high level of concern among authorities regarding the suspected alcohol poisoning. Given Fiji’s economy heavily relies on tourism, stakeholders in the tourism industry are understandably anxious and likely to implement precautionary measures to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.
The alarming situation comes on the heels of recent incidents of methanol poisoning in Laos, where several tourists tragically lost their lives after consuming contaminated alcohol.
In challenging times like these, it is crucial for tourism-dependent economies, such as Fiji, to prioritize guest safety while also ensuring that an enjoyable experience is preserved for visitors. It is hoped that swift action and thorough investigations will not only provide answers but also enhance safety protocols in order to restore confidence among tourists and stakeholders alike.
Leave a comment