A group of tourists in Fiji were rushed to the hospital in critical condition following a suspected case of alcohol poisoning.
The incident occurred on Saturday night at the Warwick Resort on Fiji’s Coral Coast, where seven guests, aged 18 to 56, fell ill after consuming cocktails.
Local reports indicate the affected tourists experienced symptoms including nausea, vomiting, and neurological issues.
Initially treated at Sigatoka Hospital, two individuals in severe condition were later transferred to Lautoka Hospital for advanced care.
Four of the seven affected are believed to be Australian nationals.
The exact cause of the poisoning remains unclear, and authorities are investigating the contents of the cocktails.
Fijian health officials are also working to identify other guests who may have consumed the same drinks.
In response, the Australian Government has updated its travel advisory for Fiji, warning tourists about the risks of drink spiking and methanol poisoning.
The advisory urges travellers to seek immediate medical attention if drink spiking is suspected.
This incident follows similar cases elsewhere. Recently, counterfeit alcohol poisoning in Istanbul resulted in 17 deaths and left dozens critically ill, prompting widespread police crackdowns on unsafe imitation alcohol.
The Fijian Ministry of Health urges caution during the festive season, emphasising the importance of ensuring food and drink safety.