Seven individuals, including an American tourist and two foreign residents of Fiji, have fallen ill after consuming cocktails at a resort. Among them, four Australians are currently in critical condition in the hospital due to suspected alcohol poisoning.
Reports indicate that a 56-year-old Australian woman is under close monitoring in the hospital, while a 19-year-old is facing serious medical complications. Two other Australian women, aged 49 and 18, are also in critical condition, though their situations are not as severe.
Local journalist Mereoni Mili stated that health ministry inspectors and police are conducting an investigation, and the specific cause of the illness remains unknown. The only detail confirmed is that the affected individuals had cocktails at the resort’s bar prior to falling ill. The patients are being treated at Lautoka Hospital, located about three and a half hours from the Warwick Resort on the Coral Coast.
The authorities express concern over the potential impact on Fiji’s tourism industry, which is vital to the nation’s economy. With recent incidents of methanol poisoning involving tourists in other countries, there is an increased focus on ensuring the safety of visitors in Fiji.
An update from the Ministry of Health and Medical Services is expected later today, providing more insights into the situation. The community remains hopeful for a swift recovery for those affected and reassurances from officials about safety measures being implemented.
As developments unfold, it reflects the importance of vigilance in the tourism sector to prevent such incidents, ensuring both the safety of visitors and the well-being of the local economy.
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