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E.Coli Holiday Illness Claims

If you have contracted E.coli on holiday, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as you can.  As part of the claims process, any medical evidence you can provide will also help to support your claim.

Our holiday illness claims specialists continue to help British holidaymakers infected with E.coli successfully win claims for compensation.

What is E.Coli?

Escherichia Coli is a type of bacteria commonly found in the intestines of humans and other animals. Some E. coli strains (such as E.Coli 0157) produce toxins that can cause severe illness.  A common mode of infection is by eating food that is contaminated with the bacteria.

It is often transmitted via raw or undercooked meats but can also be spread through other contaminated foods, such as vegetables and salads, water or unpasteurised milk.

What are the symptoms?

Some kinds of E. coli can cause severe stomach cramps and diarrhoea, while others cause urinary tract infections, respiratory illness and pneumonia, among other illnesses. The symptoms usually last up to seven days if there are no complications, but some infections can be severe and may be life threatening.

How is the infection treated?

Treatment will depend on the type of E.Coli infection. Cystitis infections usually go away by themselves after a few days. In some cases a short course of antibiotics may be given.

Intestinal infections by E. coli are not usually treated with antibiotics.  The NHS website says:

“Rehydration is important as a lot of fluid may be lost through diarrhoea. This is the mainstay of treatment and important whether the infection is being managed in hospital or at home. Oral rehydration solutions are particularly helpful in children with diarrhoea. In addition to providing fluids they also replace other important substances lost from the body, including sodium, potassium and glucose.”

What steps should hotels take to prevent and control E.Coli infections?

• Proper checks on food entering the hotel for preparation, especially products that will enter the food chain in the raw state.
• Ensuring foods are properly cooked and monitoring food temperatures. Thorough cooking will inactivate E. coli O157.
• Prevent cross-contamination from raw meat to cooked or ready-to-eat products by thorough cleaning of surfaces and avoidance of sharing utensils between different dishes.
• Proper personal hygiene and thorough hand washing is essential as even low doses can cause the severe illness.

If you have been infected with E.Coli on holiday as a result of consuming food or drink provided as part of your all-inclusive package, there is a good chance you will be entitled to claim compensation under the UK Package holiday regulations.

To arrange a convenient time to speak to one of our team, please complete our contact form.

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