Mystery death of American tourists on ‘dream vacation’ in Fiji puzzles investigators as flu ruled out

Families say they are 'emotionally shocked' and 'stuck in a nightmare'

Families say they are 'emotionally shocked' and 'stuck in a nightmare' as officials fail to determine cause of death (Getty)

Officials have ruled out influenza as a possible cause of death for two Americans who mysteriously passed away while during a "dream vacation" in Fiji.

Fiji’s ministry of health and medical services said in a statement on Wednesday that the investigation was ongoing into the deaths of David Paul and Michelle Paul, but that officials do not believe the public is at risk.

The couple died within two days of each other after falling ill from an unknown ailment.

Ms Paul’s father, Marc Calanog, told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram the couple met five years ago in Hawaii, and that both loved beaches and snorkelling.

He said the couple had planned to visit Fiji from in late May, settling on that time because family members could watch their two young children.

Mr Calanog said he got a text message from Michelle on 24 May that said: “We are both going to doctor now. We have been throwing up for eight hours. David also has diarrhoea. My hands are numb.”

He said he then got a call on 25 May that his daughter was dead. Mr Paul was dead two days later.

“I did not think it was so serious,” Mr Calanog told the newspaper. “I was stunned. I almost cried, but I didn’t cry because I was holding onto my emotions....I would say I was emotionally shocked.”

The ministry in Fiji said staff and health workers who were in contact with the couple are being monitored as a precaution, but that all are currently well.

The ministry said it’s also working with local police, the World Health Organisation and the US centres for disease control and prevention to determine the cause of death.

“It would be premature to speculate further on the cause of death until the investigation is complete,” the statement said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report