Guests Hospitalized in Fiji Following Suspected Pina Colada Poisoning Incident

Local authorities reported that seven foreign nationals in Fiji were hospitalized due to suspected poisoning after consuming pina coladas at a bar within a five-star resort. Among these individuals, five were tourists, including one from the US and others from Australia, with ages ranging from 18 to 56. The remaining two were foreign residents of Fiji, as per local media accounts referencing the health ministry. While some individuals were initially described as seriously ill, local officials stated on Monday that their conditions had since improved, with some expected to be released. This event occurred several weeks following the deaths of six tourists in Laos, a South East Asian country, attributed to suspected methanol poisoning. Brent Hill, Fiji’s tourism chief, informed RNZ that they were fully cognizant of the Laos incident, but emphasized that the situation in Fiji was “a long way from that.” The seven guests exhibited nausea, vomiting, and neurological symptoms shortly after consuming the rum cocktail at the Warwick Fiji resort, situated on the Coral Coast. The Fiji Times reported that they were first transported to Sigatoka Hospital before being moved to Lautoka Hospital. Viliame Gavok, Fiji’s tourism minister, underscored that this represented an “extremely isolated incident” and that the resort asserted “they have not engaged in practices such as substituting ingredients or altering the quality of drinks served to guests.” Authorities confirmed that preliminary investigations are in progress and no additional cases have been reported. David Sandoe, a resident of Sydney, informed the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) that his daughter Tanya and granddaughter Georgia were among the individuals impacted. He noted, however, that they were returning home and were doing “very well” given the circumstances. Mr. Sandoe remarked, “It’s very difficult to take a call at 11 at night… and your daughter says that they have been poisoned and they’re in hospital,” further stating that Georgia had experienced a seizure. The ABC had earlier reported that a 56-year-old Australian woman was under medical observation in the hospital, and a 19-year-old Australian woman had endured “serious medical episodes.” In a statement issued to the BBC, the Warwick Fiji hotel acknowledged the “suspected alcohol poisoning” and affirmed it was treating the matter “very seriously.” The hotel indicated it was “conducting a thorough investigation” and awaiting a “test result report” from health authorities to “gather all necessary information.” Fiji police are reportedly investigating the details surrounding the event. An Australian foreign ministry spokesperson informed the BBC that two Australian families in Fiji are currently receiving consular support. A spokesperson for New Zealand’s foreign affairs ministry told the BBC that it had “not received any requests for assistance” following the apparent poisoning. The BBC also gathered that no British individuals were impacted by the incident. Australian minister Jason Clare conveyed to the ABC, “There’s a real terrifying sense of deja vu.” He referenced the Laos incident, where two 19-year-old Australian girls had died from suspected methanol poisoning. Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has issued advice to tourists, urging them to “be alert to the potential risks around drink spiking and methanol poisoning through consuming alcoholic drinks in Fiji.” The advisory also stated that travelers should “get urgent medical help if you suspect drink spiking.” Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.