Over the weekend in Fiji, a distressing incident unfolded as seven people were hospitalized after consuming cocktails at a renowned five-star resort. This event has raised concerns and sparked investigations into the possible cause of the illness. The affected tourists were guests at the Warwick Fiji resort on the Coral Coast near Sigatoka. On Saturday, December 14th, as per the Associated Press, they fell ill after drinking alcoholic beverages at the location. Among those affected were an American, four Australians, and two foreigners living in Fiji, as reported by the BBC.

Health Authorities' Stance

Officials have emphasized that it is "too soon to know if tainted alcohol was involved," as stated by the AP. This uncertainty has added to the mystery surrounding the incident and has prompted a thorough investigation by the relevant authorities.

Investigation and Updates

On Sunday, December 15th, the Fiji Times reported that the Ministry of Health & Medical Services and the Fiji Police Force were conducting an investigation after people were taken to the Sigatoka Hospital with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and neurological issues. The Ministry added that the affected patients' ages ranged from 18 to 56 years.Deputy Prime Minister Viliame "Bill" Gavoka shared an update on Monday, December 16th, on Facebook. He confirmed that two High Dependency Unit (HDU) patients had been discharged, while two others remained in Lautoka Hospital in stable conditions. The Warwick Resort issued a written statement on the same day, stating that they were taking the matter seriously and conducting a thorough investigation. They were awaiting the health authorities' test result report to gather more information and would keep everyone updated as more details became available.

Impact on Guests and Families

David Sandoe, whose daughter and granddaughter were among the affected, shared his harrowing experience with Sky News Australia. He said, "When you receive a phone call at 11 o'clock the other night and your daughter says that her daughter and herself have been poisoned and they were in hospital, it's quite something." Sandoe also mentioned that they were expecting their family to return to Sydney later that day.

Resort's Reputation and Safety

Gavoka's statement continued to reassure that this was an extremely isolated incident affecting only seven guests at a specific bar within the resort. The resort has been operating successfully in Fiji for many years and holds a strong reputation. The Warwick Resort remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of its guests and is working closely with the health authorities to get to the bottom of the matter.Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.