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. Currently, four Australians remain in critical condition at a hospital due to suspected alcohol poisoning.
According to reports, a 56-year-old Australian woman is under constant medical supervision, while a 19-year-old is experiencing severe health complications. Additionally, two other Australian women, aged 49 and 18, are reported to be critical but in slightly better conditions.
The local media has reached out to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade to determine if any New Zealanders were involved in the incident. Fiji journalist Mereoni Mili mentioned that health ministry inspectors and the police are conducting investigations, yet the exact cause of the illness remains unclear. All individuals affected reportedly consumed cocktails at the resort bar.
The critically ill individuals were transported to Lautoka Hospital, located approximately three and a half hours from the popular Warwick Resort where they were staying. An update from the Ministry of Health and Medical Services was anticipated later on Monday.
This alarming incident raises significant concerns for authorities, particularly given Fiji’s dependence on tourism. Mili noted that the tourism sector stakeholders would likely implement precautionary measures to prevent further escalation of the situation.
The occurrence of suspected alcohol poisoning is particularly troubling as it follows a recent tragedy in Laos where methanol poisoning led to the deaths of several tourists, highlighting ongoing safety issues within the tourism industry.
In light of these events, it’s important for both tourists and local businesses to prioritize safety and health standards to ensure the wellbeing of all visitors. The authorities are likely to step up their efforts to enhance monitoring and safety protocols at tourist resorts, fostering a safer environment for international travelers.
This incident serves as a reminder of the necessity of vigilance and safety in tourism hotspots, and it is hoped that improved measures will prevent similar occurrences in the future.
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