In a concerning incident at the prestigious Warwick Fiji resort, a group of seven guests—four Australians and one American—were hospitalised after consuming cocktails. Fiji’s health ministry confirmed that the guests were struck by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and neurological issues on the evening of Saturday, 15 December 2024.
Patient Details and Conditions
The affected individuals, aged between 18 and 56, were initially treated at Sigatoka Hospital. However, due to the severity of their conditions, they were later transferred to the larger Lautoka Hospital. Officials have reassured the public that all seven guests are now in stable condition, with hopes continuing for their recovery.
Ongoing Investigations
- Fiji police have launched an investigation into the incident.
- The hotel management is also conducting an internal inquiry while awaiting test results from health authorities.
- In a related advisory, the health ministry urged holidaymakers to be cautious with their food and drink choices.
Context and Safety Assurance
Fiji is known for its vibrant tourism industry, attracting close to a million visitors annually. Authorities are keen to emphasize that incidents like this are exceedingly rare. A government official stated, “This is the only reported case of its kind that we’ve experienced in recent memory.”
To add to the context, a similar tragedy occurred in Laos last month, where two Danish citizens and other foreign nationals reportedly died from suspected methanol poisoning after a night out.
As this situation unfolds, the major focus remains on the health and safety of the patients, with the resort committed to ensuring the well-being of its guests during their stay.