Four Australians have been hospitalised in Fiji with suspected alcohol poisoning, government minister Jason Clare has confirmed.
Local media reported on Sunday night that seven guests from the Warwick Resort on Fiji's Coral Coast were taken to Sigatoka Hospital on Saturday with "nausea, vomiting, and neurological symptoms". They were later transferred to Lautoka Hospital north of Nadi.
The affected guests are aged between 18 and 56 and had all drunk a cocktail prepared by one of the resort's bars, according to local media.
"This is terrifying news. There's four Australians in hospital right now in Fiji," Clare told ABC News Breakfast on Monday morning.
"We've got consular officials on the ground as well helping families, and as I understand it, Fijian officials conducting an investigation right now. That includes a police investigation."
Warwick Fiji said it was aware of the news and was waiting for health authorities test results "to gather all necessary information" about the incident at its hotel.
"Please rest assured that we are taking this matter very seriously and are currently conducting a thorough investigation," it told AAP in a statement.
"We do not have conclusive details but we are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our guests."
Tourism Fiji chief executive Brent Hill told RNZ Pacific all seven guests were in stable condition and symptoms had improved but it was too early to speculate on the exact cause.
It was limited to one bar at the one resort, he said.
Government minister Jason Clare said the incident was "terrifying". Source: AAP / Mick Tsikas
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) said on Sunday it was providing consular assistance to the families of two Australians in Fiji.
"Owing to our privacy obligations we are unable to provide further comment," a spokesperson said.
DFAT also
following the incident.
"We continue to advise exercise normal safety precautions," the Smart Traveller advice for Fiji said.
"Be alert to the potential risks around drink spiking and methanol poisoning through consuming alcoholic drinks.
"Get urgent medical help if you suspect drink spiking."
The incident in Fiji follows a recent mass methanol poisoning in Laos that killed at least six tourists, including two Australians.
died in Thai hospitals in November of suspected methanol poisoning after drinking tainted alcohol in Laos.
"There's a real terrifying sense of déjà vu," Clare said.
"When we wake up to hear this horrific news in Fiji, I'm sure all Australians have their heart in their mouth and are hoping for the best," he said.
With additional reporting by the Australian Associated Press
