7 still admitted at Lautoka Hospital after ‘spiked’ cocktail incident – Dr Tudravu

Permanent Secretary for Health, Doctor Jemesa Tudravu confirms the Ministry is still conducting their investigations into the 7 guests at the Warwick Resort who are still admitted at the Lautoka Hospital as it is alleged they consumed a spiked cocktail prepared at a bar at the resort.

Doctor Tudravu says they do not have the cause yet.

When asked on overseas media reports that two of the guests are fighting for their lives, Doctor Tudravu says the two were severely affected and are admitted with 5 others.

When asked on allegations of it being methanol poisoning as reported in the Australian Government Travel Advisory, Doctor Tudravu says they did not get that information from the Ministry of Health as their investigations are still underway.

Spiking is deliberately adding a substance to a drink, and Doctor Tudravu says they cannot confirm if the drinks were spiked until their investigations are complete.

The Australian Government has updated it’s travel advisory for Fiji as they have stated for Australians travelling to Fiji to be alert to the potential risks around drink spiking and methanol poisoning through consuming alcoholic drinks.

The advisory says they continue to advise exercise normal safety precautions.

They advise people to get urgent medical help if they suspect drink spiking.