Australia Issues Warning to Tourists Regarding Methanol Poisoning in Fiji
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Canberra, Dec 16 (NationPress) The Australian government has revised its travel advisory for Fiji after several tourists were hospitalized due to suspected alcohol poisoning.
Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has cautioned travelers heading to Fiji to be vigilant about the possibility of methanol poisoning from alcohol consumption.
This warning follows an incident where seven tourists, including four Australians, were hospitalized after drinking at a resort bar in Fiji on Saturday night local time.
Through its Smartraveller service, DFAT advised Australians to remain alert to the potential dangers of drink spiking and methanol poisoning when consuming alcoholic beverages.
It urged anyone who suspects they may have been a victim of drink spiking to seek immediate medical assistance.
On Monday, Jason Clare, Australia's education minister, described the events in Fiji as horrific.
"My message for Australians traveling abroad is to exercise extreme caution with anything you consume," he stated during an interview with ABC television.
This incident in Fiji follows a tragedy in Laos, where six tourists, including two Australian teenagers, lost their lives due to suspected methanol poisoning in November.
The guests at the Warwick Resort on Fiji's Coral Coast fell ill after consuming a tampered cocktail at the resort's bar on Saturday, according to reports from Xinhua news agency.
They were promptly transported to the nearby Sigatoka Hospital, exhibiting symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and various neurological symptoms, as reported by the Fiji Broadcasting Corporation on Sunday.
Fiji's Ministry of Health stated that the ages of the affected individuals range from 18 to 56, including four Australians, one American, and two local residents.
All patients have since been moved to Lautoka Hospital due to the severity of their conditions.
The ministry is working to identify other guests who may have experienced similar symptoms from the same drink consumed at the resort.
An investigation into the incident is currently ongoing.
Although the health ministry has not confirmed the specific cause of the illnesses, it has advised individuals to ensure that any food and drinks consumed during the holiday season are safe.
