An American tourist and two foreign residents of Fiji are among a group of seven individuals who have fallen ill after consuming cocktails at a resort. Currently, four Australians remain in critical condition in a hospital due to suspected alcohol poisoning.

Among the affected Australians are a 56-year-old woman under constant medical observation and a 19-year-old who is experiencing severe health complications. Additionally, two other women aged 49 and 18 are also in critical condition, albeit somewhat more stable than the others.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade in New Zealand has been contacted to determine if any New Zealanders are involved in this incident.

Health ministry inspectors and law enforcement are actively investigating the situation, although the precise cause of the illness has yet to be identified. Reports indicate that all seven individuals consumed cocktails at the resort bar. They are currently receiving medical treatment at Lautoka Hospital, located approximately three and a half hours from the Warwick Resort on Fiji’s Coral Coast.

This concerning incident has raised alarms among authorities, given that Fiji’s economy heavily depends on tourism. Stakeholders in the tourism sector are likely to implement precautionary measures to prevent further occurrences.

This worrying development follows a recent incident in Laos, where methanol poisoning tragically resulted in the deaths of several tourists, underscoring the ongoing global concern over safe drinking practices in tourist destinations.

As health officials continue their investigations, updates are anticipated shortly, providing hope for the recovery of the affected individuals. Such incidents highlight the importance of vigilance and safety, ensuring that tourists can enjoy their visits while remaining free from harm.