Seven foreign tourists hospitalized in Fiji after drinking cocktails at a resort bar have been cleared of poisoning, but the cause of their illness remains under investigation.
Tourists Hospitalized in Fiji Fall Ill After Drinking Cocktails at Resort Bar
Seven foreign tourists who were hospitalized in Fiji after drinking cocktails at a resort bar have been cleared of poisoning from alcohol or illicit drugs, officials said.
The cause of the tourists’ illness over the weekend remains under investigation. Fiji‘s Tourism Minister Viliame R. Gavoka confirmed that no illicit substances or methanol were found in the ingredients or liquor samples.
Tourist Industry Relieved by Clearing of Illness
Gavoka expressed relief at the findings, stating that they are great news for Fiji, especially for its vital tourism industry. The minister added that the tourist industry had been rocked by media reports of suspected contaminated drinks but tourists have not canceled their vacations.
All seven tourists who became ill at the five-star Warwick resort near Sigatoka on Saturday have since fully recovered and were released from hospital. They were hospitalized with nausea, vomiting, and neurological symptoms.
Fiji’s Health Ministry reported that the tourists, including Australians and an American, fell ill after consuming drinks at the resort bar. The suspicion of methanol poisoning was a blow to Fiji’s tourism industry, which has a reputation for providing safe food and drinks.
Investigation Ongoing
Fiji Permanent Secretary for Health Jemesa Tudravu said that the illnesses could have been caused by a chemical reaction or infection. His department is continuing to investigate the cause of the tourists’ illness.
Gavoka urged foreign governments to remove from their travel advisories warnings about drink spiking in Fiji, which emerged this week. The minister also expressed frustration at media reports of suspected contaminated drinks that had not been substantiated by evidence.
Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said that the incident had been confined to a single resort and that there was no indication of people canceling their vacations. He also asked reporters if they knew who was giving out negative press about Fiji as a destination, suggesting that competitors may be behind the reports.
