A group of holidaymakers have launched legal action after suffering severe gastric illness during a five star Egyptian holiday - which left one of them on a drip. Around 15 visitors who travelled to Jaz Aquamarine Hotel between February and July this year were affected by nasty gastric symptoms, including diarrhoea, vomiting and lethargy - some of which are still affecting them today.
Every single one also booked through tour operator TUI UK Ltd. One holidaymaker from Cardiff was diagnosed with a bacterial infection by the hotel doctor, while a Hampshire lorry driver was put on a drip during his stay in the Hurghada based hotel.
The tourists have now all gone to specialist serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell law firm to investigate. One of the victims struck down by illness was Yasmeen McGrath, 28, who travelled to the Jaz Aquamarine Hotel on February 2 with her husband Adam, 38, and their two daughters, Leila, four, and one-year-old Amelia.
Their holiday was booked to celebrate Adam’s birthday and the couple’s third wedding anniversary. But few days into their special trip, all four family members began suffering from vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, stomach cramps and a fever.
Amelia even had to visit the hotel doctor, who diagnosed her with a bacterial infection and administered antibiotics. Yasmeen, said: “This was our first big holiday as a family of four and we were so excited to get away however it was a total nightmare.
"Amelia was the worst and it was horrible to have to see my baby girl so unwell."
The mum-of-two from Cardiff detailed how the hotel fell short of healthcare cleanliness, particularly noticeable in the food they provided to the guests. She explained: “When I think back, the food at the hotel was often left uncovered for long periods, with new food added to the existing buffet.
"It all appeared to be re-heated and I remember some chicken looking undercooked. Even the desserts looked to be kept at room temperature rather than being refrigerated. It’s really not what you expect from a five-star hotel.
She added: “There’s nothing we can do now to change what we’ve been through, we just want some answers as to how this happened."
Another victim who is still suffering from his illness is Richard Brooker-Protheroe, 32, who stayed at the hotel with his family from June 20 to July 4. Within just a few days, Richard was suffering from stomach cramps, diarrhoea and vomiting.
As his condition only worsened, Richard sought medical care from the hotel’s doctor - and was put on a drip and given medication. When the family flew home two weeks later, Richard contacted his GP two days after arriving home, who prescribed antibiotics - and a month on, his bowel habits are still not back to normal.
The lorry driver from Waterlooville, Hampshire, also commented on the poor standards of food hygiene at the hotel. He said: “I’m not one to be fussy about food but I did notice that a lot of it was warm at the bottom but cold on top, as well as being left uncovered.
"Food which you would expect to be chilled, like salad, was left out in the open and became limp - there were also a lot of birds around the restaurant.
“I also recall the pools weren’t cleaned regularly until complaints were made, and I know of a couple of families falling ill after being in the pool.
Richard explained how the "whole holiday was ruined" - which his family were desperately looking forward to after Covid - but all he wants now is answers.
Hannah Clifford, the specialist international serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing those affected, said: “To hear what our clients have been through while at this resort is deeply concerning.
"They had saved for a long time and had been looking forward to their holidays, which were ruined when they fell ill. Gastric symptoms should never be downplayed as they can lead to long-term health issues, and this is not something you expect to be struck down with at a five-star hotel."
She added: “Our clients understandably have many questions regarding their illness and we’re now investigating these. If, during the course of our investigations, any issues are identified, it’s vital that lessons are learned to help prevent other holidaymakers from falling ill in the future.”
