- David and Michelle Paul died suddenly and unexpectedly while vacationing in Fiji.
- Their sister-in-law, Tracey Calanog, said indications suggest they died of an unknown virus.
- The cause of death is still under investigation by local authorities, and the US Department of State is monitoring the probe.
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A Texas couple mysteriously died from an unknown virus while rationing in Fiji.
This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. Become an Insider and start reading now. Have an account? Log in.Relatives of David and Michelle Paul were notified on Monday by Fiji authorities that the couple died suddenly and unexpectedly, ABC News reported.
It remains unclear when the couple from Fort Worth, Texas, fell ill and died. Their sister-in-law, Tracey Calanog, said indications suggest they died of an unknown virus.
"They knew something was going on in their body and were able to get to the hospital," Calanog told WFAA.
Fiji's Ministry of Health and Medical Services told the Associated Press that the couple arrived in Fiji on May 22 and were taken to the hospital after becoming ill. Officials said in a statement that their conditions worsened despite medical care.
Michelle Paul died first, and David Paul was set to travel to Australia for further treatment but died before getting on a plane.
—ABC News (@ABC) June 4, 2019The cause of death is under investigation by local authorities, and the US Department of State is monitoring the probe.
David Paul, an Air Force veteran, and Michelle Paul were raising their 2-year-old child and David's daughter from a previous relationship.
Read more: A Maryland couple found dead at a Dominican Republic resort reportedly died of respiratory failure
They were set to fly back to Texas the day after their family was notified of their deaths.
Calanog said the couple's remains cannot be returned to the US until a cause of death is determined. If they did die from an infection disease, their bodies will be cremated.
The World Health Organization said Fiji is reporting a surge in cases of severe acute respiratory illness.
The illness is mostly affecting adults between 20 and 30 years old, causing the deaths of four pregnant women, WHO said.
The US Embassy in Fiji said in a statement to AP that it has been investigating David and Michelle Pauls' deaths for more than a week.
"We appreciate the efforts made thus far by the Fijian authorities and stand ready to provide further assistance, if requested," the embassy said. "At this point, we are not aware of any specific public health threat to the community."
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