Travelers Fall Ill After Drinks at Luxury Fiji Resort

Seven tourists were recently hospitalized in Fiji after drinking cocktails at a resort bar, sparking an investigation from officials.

At a Glance

Seven international tourists, including Americans and Australians, fell ill after drinking at a Fiji resort bar.
Symptoms included nausea, vomiting, and neurological issues.
Fijian authorities and the resort are investigating the incident.
Australia issued a warning about drink tampering risks in Fiji, but since then, no tampering evidence has been found.

Incident at Warwick Fiji Resort

A group of seven international tourists, including four Australians, two Americans, and one Fijian, were hospitalized after consuming cocktails at the Warwick Fiji Resort bar near Sigatoka. The tourists, aged 18 to 56, experienced alarming symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and neurological disturbances, prompting initial concerns about potential alcohol poisoning. All seven guests were transferred to Lautoka hospital for medical attention.

The incident has sparked an investigation by Fiji’s police and health ministry, who conducted toxicology tests to determine the cause of the illnesses. Viliame Gavoka, Fiji’s tourism minister, revealed on Wednesday that the toxicology report showed no evidence of drink tampering. The cause of the illness is still under investigation.

7 foreign tourists have been hospitalized in Fiji in a suspected case of alcohol poisoning at a luxury resort, Fijian and Australian officials say. https://t.co/XwuJEe1nV6

— NBC News (@NBCNews) December 16, 2024

Government Response and Reassurances

The Fijian government described the incident as “extremely isolated,” emphasizing that it affected only the seven guests at a specific bar within the resort. Deputy Prime Minister Viliame Gavoka stated that the affected tourists were stable and expressed hope for their continued improvement.

The resort management denied altering the quality of drinks served to guests. Mereisi Makutu, the resort’s front office manager, emphasized that their priority is the well-being of the hospitalized guests. The Fijian government has urged caution during the festive season regarding alcohol consumption.

International Reaction and Travel Warnings

In response to the incident and before the results of the toxicology report were revealed, Australia issued a warning to travelers about the risks of drink spiking and methanol poisoning in Fiji. Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers confirmed that consular officials were assisting the affected individuals and their families.

“Don’t leave your drinks unattended, pay attention when your drinks are being mixed and get urgent medical help if you suspect that something is wrong,” Chalmers said.

This incident raised concerns in the wake of a case of alcohol poisoning in Laos last month, which resulted in six tourist deaths. While the cause of the Fiji incident remains unclear, with no evidence of contaminated alcohol involvement, authorities are taking the matter seriously. No other illness reports have been noted at the resort or elsewhere in Fiji