E.Coli

E.Coli food poisoning is one of the most common causes of holiday illness and gastric illness abroad. Some strains of E.Coli can prove deadly if they are not treated correctly and quickly.

If you have suffered E.Coli food poisoning in a package holiday hotel and your illness was caused by poor standards of food or hygiene, you can claim compensation by contacting Anne Thomson, Head of Travel Law and Holiday Illness Compensation Claims at Farnworth Rose Solicitors. Says Anne: “E.Coli infection can cause dreadful symptoms of vomiting and diarrhoea which will understandably ruin your holiday. Anyone who suffers this type of illness in a holiday hotel should call me as soon as possible on: 080001 54321 or fill in the online claim form.”

The main causes of E.Coli food poisoning include:

• Consuming contaminated food or water
• Eating undercooked or raw meat
• Swallowing faecal matter
• Drinking unpasteurized milk

What is E.Coli?

E.Coli is an organism which is found in the guts of humans and although many strains of the disease are harmless, others can cause serious illness. E.Coli bacteria can survive refrigeration and freezing but thorough cooking of food will kill them off. The usual incubation period, between contraction and illness is 3-8 days.

What are the main symptoms of E.Coli infection?

The most common symptoms of E.Coli infection include painful abdominal cramps, vomiting, nausea and profuse diarrhoea, sometimes with blood.

How long will symptoms of E.Coli last?

Many cases of E.Coli will clear up naturally within 7 days but severe infections can take much longer and may lead to long term illness and ongoing health problems for months to come.

Can E.Coli infection be prevented in package holiday hotels?

E.Coli infection is totally preventable if food handlers adhere to high standards of food hygiene practices and if food is prepared, stored and cooked properly. Cross contamination, often caused by using the same cutting boards for different foods, can also be prevented. Food handlers should wash their hands after preparing different foods and after using the toilet. Holidaymakers should never eat undercooked meat products or drink unpasteurized milk or local tap water.

How is E.Coli infection treated?

Healthy patients suffering E.Coli will usually recover naturally within 7 days but, if symptoms are more severe, it may be necessary to be rehydrated via an intravenous drip in hospital. Severe diarrhoea can cause dehydration which can affect major organs in the body and a doctor will assess the severity of your symptoms before deciding on the correct treatment.

Mr Snead travelled with his wife to Egypt in February 2010 and began to suffer from symptoms of food poisoning.  He was treated in resort for suspected E.Coli.  Sadly the illness ruined his holiday and he remained unwell on return to the UK.  Following negotiations with the tour operator, the claim was settled amicably with Mr & Mrs Snead being awarded £3,750.