Fiji Vacation Takes a Dark Turn: Four Australians Hospitalized Following Suspected Cocktail Poisoning

Four Australians are suspected to have suffered poisoning after consuming cocktails at a Fijian resort, sparking concerns over food safety and potential health risks for tourists in the area. Investigations are underway to determine the cause.

P24 News Media

December 15, 2024

1 minute

Fiji Vacation Takes a Dark Turn: Four Australians Hospitalized Following Suspected Cocktail Poisoning

India

On Saturday night, Sigatoka Hospital received an alarming influx of seven individuals, among whom two were reported to be in critical condition necessitating their transfer to Lautoka Hospital, as per local media sources. The affected individuals ranged in age from 18 to 56 years old and exhibited symptoms including nausea, vomiting, and neurological issues following their consumption of a particular cocktail, according to Mai TV.

Notably, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported that the group included four Australian women aged 56, 49, 19, and 18. The eldest woman, aged 56, was placed under close observation in the hospital, indicating the severity of her condition. Meanwhile, the 49-year-old and the 18-year-old were also categorized as critical but showed signs of improvement by the following evening.

The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has been proactive in issuing consular support to the families of the affected individuals currently in Fiji. In response to this incident, the Australian government’s Smart Traveller website has revised its safety advisory for Fiji, urging travelers to remain vigilant regarding the possible dangers associated with drink spiking and methanol poisoning that can stem from alcoholic beverages.

In their advisory, Smart Traveller emphasized the importance of maintaining normal safety protocols and encouraged individuals to seek immediate medical attention if they suspect any instances of drink spiking. This cautionary note comes on the heels of a tragic incident last month, which involved the untimely deaths of two Melbourne teenagers, Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles, alongside four other tourists in Laos, believed to be connected to methanol poisoning.

In light of ongoing concerns regarding this issue, the Smart Traveller website continues to alert Australians to the potential hazards linked to methanol poisoning and drink spiking, particularly in destinations like Laos. In response to these alarming health risks, Lao authorities have enacted a ban on the sale and consumption of Tiger Vodka and Tiger Whisky, recognizing the need to protect the public from products that may pose a significant health threat.

This recent chain of events underscores the critical need for awareness and caution among travelers, especially in regions where incidents of alcohol-related poisoning have been reported. The potential risks associated with consuming alcoholic drinks cannot be overstated, and it is imperative for anyone traveling in these areas to prioritize their safety and wellbeing.

As the investigations continue, the focus remains on ensuring the health and recovery of those affected while also heightening awareness about the dangers that can lurk within seemingly innocuous social activities. Travelers are reminded to stay alert and informed to mitigate the risks of such incidents occurring in the future.