Australians reported to be among seven tourists poisoned, rushed to hospital in Fiji

Four Australians are reportedly among seven people rushed to hospital in Fiji with suspected alcohol poisoning as the federal government issued a warning about drink spiking in the popular Pacific holiday spot.

The Fiji Times reported on Sunday night that seven guests from the Warwick Fiji Resort on Fiji’s Coral Coast were taken to Sigatoka Hospital on Saturday night after drinking cocktails at an event.

The Warwick Fiji resort where the guests are believed to have suffered alcohol poisoning.Credit: Facebook

A statement from the Ministry of Health and Medical Services to The Fiji Times confirmed seven guests were taken to hospital and that four of those were Australian, one American and two were foreign residents in Fiji. It said health inspectors were called and a police investigation was in progress.

“The affected patients’ age ranges from 18 to 56 years, and two patients have been transferred to Lautoka Hospital due to the severity of their condition,” the ministry statement read.

However, a later report said all seven patients had been transferred to the better-equipped hospital in Lautoka, about half an hour north of Nadi.

The ministry statement said the guests were taken to hospital with nausea, vomiting and neurological symptoms after consuming a cocktail drink prepared at a bar at the resort.

“The ministry has also mobilised a team of health inspectors to assist the health team at Sigatoka Hospital in the detailed investigation of the event at the resort, as well as identify other guests who may also be affected with similar symptoms from consuming the same drink.”

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said in a statement it was helping two families in Fiji.

“The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is providing consular assistance to two Australian families in Fiji,” DFAT said.

“Owing to our privacy obligations we are unable to provide further comment.”

The Australian government’s Smartraveller website also posted an updated warning on Sunday evening about the risks of drink spiking in Fiji.

“We continue to advise exercise normal safety precautions. Be alert to the potential risks around drink spiking and methanol poisoning through consuming alcoholic drinks. Get urgent medical help if you suspect drink spiking,” the warning read.

This masthead contacted the Warwick Fiji on Sunday evening, but the hotel declined to comment citing an ongoing investigation.

The ministry also warned people to be cautious about what they eat and drink over Christmas.

“The ministry wishes to advise members of the public to be cautious and ensure the drinks and food they consume during this festive season are safe for consumption,” the statement said.

This incident comes just weeks after Australian women Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles, both 19, were among six tourists who died after drinking methanol-tainted alcoholic drinks in Laos.

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