Suspected case of mass alcohol poisoning of Australians in Fiji

Fiji: It is anticipated that the majority of patients who become gravely unwell after drinking alcohol will be released from the hospital

Seven persons in Fiji became gravely ill after consuming cocktails. As studies continue to identify the source of their illness, all but two were scheduled to be released from the hospital by the end of Monday. The seven people started experiencing symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and neurological problems on Sunday as they were enjoying piña coladas at the five-star Warwick Resort. Due to the seriousness of their conditions, four were sent to another hospital by Monday morning, and two were in critical condition.

There were four Australians, two foreign citizens of Fiji, and one American in the group. Two of the seven people were still in serious condition, according to Fiji's health chief's statement on Monday afternoon. One of the afflicted individuals' friends informed *Checkpoint* that by Monday afternoon, they were so sick that they were unable to stand. Bill Gavoka, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism for Fiji, informed *Checkpoint* that three of the seven had already been issued and that three more would follow shortly. "By this evening, only two will remain, as the others would have been discharged," Gavoka stated, citing the most recent report from Lautoka Hospital.

The other two are in stable condition," he continued. Critical care was no longer needed for the two surviving patients. According to reports, one of the seven individuals who were admitted to the hospital in Fiji after consuming cocktails at the resort has left for Australia. In the meantime, the government of Fiji is doing everything it can to safeguard the islands' tourism industry and ensure foreign tourists that this was a singular incidence. According to Gavoka, the drinks were created with regional premixes and were served to a large number of people at the resort bar that evening. However, none of them became ill.

There were five bars at the resort on that specific day. Piña coladas were provided to a large number of patrons at one of the bars. However, it's strange that only these seven were impacted for whatever reason," he remarked. Travel advisories were revised on Monday to advise travelers to "exercise increased caution." They were cautioned to watch out for possible drink spiking and the possibility of methanol poisoning. "This is a singular instance. We are keen to identify the factory if we can pinpoint it," Gavoka stated.

We are rather worried since there are a lot of different scenarios and conjectures circulating. Numerous investigations are in progress. We want to find the truth about this, just like everyone else does.

Testing is ongoing.

The Fiji Police are doing toxicology tests and should have the results back any day. According to Gavoka, the police are examining the tape from the security camera that was in operation at the tavern. "As well as each ingredient used in the cocktail," the premix that was utilized is being analyzed. The testing would 'identify precisely what was in the drink that harmed these seven people and not others,' according to Gavoka. "These were completely normal ingredients, with nothing additional added," the skilled bartender said.

It consists of shaved ice, coconut cream, and local rum—we produce our own rum here. The resort is assisting the investigation in every way possible.