Australian tourists hospitalized in Fiji amid alcohol poisoning fears
- Seven tourists were hospitalized in Fiji, with four from Australia and one from the USA.
- Initial concerns focused on alcohol poisoning, but toxicology tests ruled this out.
- The incident led to warnings about drink safety and potential risks for tourists.
Several tourists fell ill in Fiji after consuming cocktails at a bar in the Warwick Resort on Saturday. The group, which included four Australians and one American, was hospitalized with symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and neurological issues. Initial reports suspected alcohol poisoning, recalling a recent methanol poisoning incident in Laos that claimed six lives. A toxicology report concluded that the tourists were not poisoned by alcohol or illicit drugs, shifting the investigation to explore other possible causes such as chemical reactions or infections. Thankfully, all seven tourists have since recovered and been discharged from the hospital. The incident raised concerns among tourists, leading to an update in travel advisories urging caution regarding drink spiking and methanol poisoning, reflecting the risks associated with alcoholic beverages abroad. Despite the alarming news, there have been no reports of cancellations to Fiji vacations, and authorities reassured that the tourism industry remains safe, emphasizing the isolated nature of the event at the specific resort.