What was supposed to be a time of ultimate relaxation in a five-star Fijian resort ended in a health scare for seven tourists-an American included-when the guests allegedly took sick from some cocktails they were served on the property. The incident happened during the weekend at Warwick Fiji, which is a popular Coral Coast resort, located near Sigatoka.
Guests Complain of Symptoms After Drinking Cocktails
According to reports, the tourists started showing symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and neurological problems shortly after consuming the alcoholic beverages at the resort. According to the Ministry of Health & Medical Services in Fiji, the ages of the affected tourists range from 18 to 56 years. The group included four Australians, one American, and two foreign nationals residing in Fiji.
Two of the seven persons were admitted to the HDU for treatment while others received treatment for minor conditions. On Monday, two persons were still in hospital in stable condition. Meanwhile, authorities are actively investigating what might have caused the illness.
Investigations over the Contaminated Alcohol End
Investigations into the incident continue between the Ministry of Health and Fiji Police Force to establish if contaminated alcohol was involved. While authorities have been quick to caution that it remains premature to conclusively establish if the health problems were as a result of tainted alcohol, results of laboratory tests are being awaited.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism, Viliame Gavoka, has assured that it seems like an isolated case. He explained that the symptoms came from those guests who consumed drinks from one of the bars at the resort.
Gavoka is deeply concerned for the affected tourists and their families, saying all possible medical assistance is being afforded to the tourists for their recovery.
Resort Addresses Incident and Ensures Guest Safety
Following the incident, Warwick Fiji released a statement identifying the incident and reassuring the safety of its guests. “We are conducting a thorough investigation and are awaiting the health authorities’ test results,” it read. The resort has assured visitors and stakeholders that they are taking every precaution to prevent further incidents.
While the incident has raised concerns among travelers, officials and resort management reiterated that this was an isolated case. They highlighted that no other reports of similar issues have surfaced, either within the Warwick Fiji resort or elsewhere in Fiji.
This health scare follows a similar case in Laos last month, where six tourists died after consuming alcohol suspected of being contaminated with methanol. While no such links have been confirmed in the Fiji case, authorities are urging caution and patience as investigations continue.
The Fiji Ministry of Health, meanwhile, has continued to closely monitor the situation and is still optimistic that the tourists would survive the illness.
