No traces of methanol or illicit substances have been found in the drinks consumed at Fiji’s Warwick Resort that left four Australian tourists ill, toxicology reports have found.
A 56-year-old woman was the last Australian released from hospital on Tuesday after having consumed a pina colada cocktail at the resort’s poolside bar on Saturday afternoon. The three other Australians involved were discharged earlier this week.
The Fiji government disclosed the initial toxicology results during a Tuesday night press conference, but the cause of the tourists’ illnesses, still described as “alcohol poisoning,” remains unknown.
“We are having discussions with our health teams [and] investigations are continuing [for the] definitive causes, and then we will share these with the patients,” Fijian Health Secretary James Tudravu said at the press conference.
“There are many causes of the symptoms they presented with. It could be chemical, it could be infection.
“[But] there is no evidence of illicit drugs or methanol.”
The resort responds… and so do its guests
In a statement released on Wednesday, Warwick Fiji management described the event as “unprecedented” in their nearly 40 years of operation and emphasised their commitment to guest safety.
“We want to reassure all our visitors that we maintain the highest standards of food and beverage safety. We remain committed to the health and safety of our guests and are with our guests every step of the way as we investigate this unfortunate incident.”
The resort’s Facebook page has been flooded with messages of support from past and current guests.
“We are at the Warwick now and are totally safe,” posted one guest.
“The Warwick is a family safe resort and we were drinking the same drinks in the same bar and are totally fine.”
Another praised the staff for support during an unrelated illness on a past visit.
“Your team went ABOVE & BEYOND for me when I got sick on my visit this year (I got sick from drinking too much Kava – NOT AT THE RESORT), the past guest posted.
“I was accompanied by one of your night staff when I had to go to Korolevu Medical Centre in the middle of the night. I was then repeatedly checked in on throughout my last day as I was travelling alone.
“This is very unfortunate but your team have always been amazing and gone above & beyond for guests. I will always choose Warwick. See you guys in June!”
With almost half a million Australians visiting Fiji every year, there have been concerns on the impact of the incident to the country’s tourism industry.
But Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister Viliame Gavoka said there had been “no indication” of people cancelling their trips to Fiji.
“But we have heard people in a sense of disbelief that Fiji could be spiking drinks or Fiji could be adding some harmful stuff into the cocktails served,” Gavoka said.
“Fiji is a safe destination.”
