Seven Tourists Hospitalized in Fiji Amid Suspected Alcohol Poisoning Crisis

A troubling incident in Fiji has led to the hospitalization of seven tourists, primarily due to suspected alcohol poisoning. With four Australians in critical condition, authorities investigate the cause as visitor safety comes under scrutiny.

Seven tourists in Fiji have been hospitalized with suspected alcohol poisoning, with reports indicating that they are in critical condition. The incident occurred after the group consumed cocktails at a resort bar on Saturday night, leading to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and neurological issues shortly afterward. Among the affected individuals, four are Australians, with their ages ranging from 18 to 56, as per local media reports that reference the health ministry.

This alarming event comes just weeks after a separate incident in Laos, where six tourists tragically died from suspected methanol poisoning. The tourists in Fiji were initially admitted to Sigatoka Hospital but were later moved to Lautoka Hospital for further treatment, as noted by the Fiji Times. In response to the situation, two Australian families currently in Fiji are receiving consular assistance, confirmed by a spokesperson from the Australian foreign ministry who spoke to the BBC.

With the incident unfolding in a major tourist destination like Fiji, it raises critical questions regarding the safety protocols associated with alcoholic beverages offered at resorts, potentially prompting further investigations into the local tourism industry's compliance with health standards.