STORY: ::Canberra, Australia
::December 16, 2024
::Australia warns travelers of alcohol poisoning
after seven tourists hospitalized in Fiji
::Jim Chalmers/Australia Treasurer
“This is very concerning news out of Fiji with four Australians hospitalised over the weekend. We are thinking of the friends and family of the people who are affected. This is no doubt a very distressing time for them. DFAT (The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade) officials are in contact with those affected Australians and they are providing consular assistance. I wanted to thank and acknowledge the very fine people of DFAT for the effort that goes in, in situations like this.”
“Obviously if Australians are travelling, be very alert to the potential risks in this case around drink spiking and alcohol poisoning. Don’t leave your drinks unattended, pay attention when your drinks are being mixed and get urgent medical help if you suspect that something is wrong.”
The Australian government has updated its travel advice for Fiji to flag dangers of drink spiking, and warned Australians more generally about the risk of alcohol poisoning when travelling.
“If Australians are travelling, be very alert to the potential risks in this case around drink spiking and alcohol poisoning,” Chalmers said.
