Five locals who are understood to have had direct contact with the US couple who died in Nadi, are now under observation at the Nadi Hospital.

The two security guards, two medical staff and a Police officer are believed to have shown symptoms similar to those that afflicted the Americans before their deaths.

In another development, it is understood that more than 10 staff from the property in question have been told to go on leave with pay including a duty manager, housekeeping staff and porters.

David James Paul, 38, an engineer with Lockheed Martin and his wife, Jane Michelle Canalog Paul, 35, had checked into a property on Denarau Island before they died from a mystery illness.

Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro said that the Police and the Ministry of Health were collaborating with the investigation.

She said: “The post-mortem examination (on Saturday) revealed the couple died as a result of an illness. However, we have liaised with the Ministry of Health to send samples overseas for further testing.”

She added that the US Embassy was informed of the progress of the investigations.

Minister for Health Dr Ifereimi Waqainabete said a ministerial statement would be issued.

However, he said: “I must say that there is a collaboration happening within the Ministry of Health and we must identify the reasons why and what had really happened. The investigation is underway.

“I cannot comment until the media release tells us the details. Our team has been in contact with the team in the US which will decide if they will come to assist. The proper intervention has been done either by the area or the facilities involved.”

He later visited the patients at the Nadi Hospital.

According to Police the couple had a long history of globetrotting. They were in Australia and New Zealand before coming here.

The couple arrived here on May 22. The late Mrs Paul died on May 25 at the clinic on Denarau Island and the late Mr Paul died on May 28 at the Lautoka Hospital.

Edited by Jonathan Bryce

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