Fiji Leader Reassures Tourists After Mass Alcohol Poisoning Incident

Indonesian police display recently seized bootleg liquor prior to a press conference in Jakarta. Bagus Saragih/AFP/Getty Images

Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism Viliame Gavoka has reassured visitors of the country’s safety following a suspected case of alcohol poisoning that hospitalised seven tourists, including four Australians, at the Warwick Fiji Resort.

“This is the only significant case of its kind in memory, and nothing like this has ever been experienced. We are committed to fully understanding the cause and preventing further occurrences,” Gavoka said on Dec. 16, confirming that the affected individuals were stable.

He said Fiji’s tourism industry was safe and robust, despite the isolated incident.

The tourists, aged 18 to 56, were initially admitted to Sigatoka Hospital with nausea, vomiting, and neurological symptoms. They were later transferred to Aspen Lautoka Hospital for further medical care and investigation.

Fiji’s Ministry of Health and police are actively investigating the cause of the illness.

Isolated Incident, Investigation Ongoing

Fiji’s government has characterised the case as an isolated incident, limited to a specific bar within the resort. Management at the Warwick Fiji Resort denied altering drink ingredients or compromising quality.

“This is an extremely isolated incident, and we have acted immediately to determine the cause of what made these guests fall ill,” the government said in a statement.

The incident has drawn attention to the broader risks of contaminated alcohol in the region. Last month, six foreign tourists died in Laos after consuming toxic alcohol.

Australians Urged to Exercise Caution

The Australian government has expressed concern over the incident, with Treasurer Jim Chalmers describing it as “very distressing” for the individuals involved. He advised Australians travelling overseas to remain vigilant about food and drink safety.

“This is, no doubt, a very distressing time for them. If Australians are travelling, be very alert to potential risks, including drink spiking and alcohol poisoning. Don’t leave your drinks unattended,” Chalmers said.

Federal Education Minister Jason Clare referred to the incident as a “terrifying sense of déjà vu,” recalling the recent deaths of two Australian women in Laos from methanol poisoning.

“All Australians have their hearts in their mouths and are hoping for the best,” he said.

“My message for Australians travelling overseas is just be really, really careful with whatever you consume,” he said on ABC News Breakfast.