Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis is the common name given to stomach illness, usually causing symptoms of diarrhoea and sickness abroad. Usually caused by bacterial infections, this type of illness is common amongst holidaymakers and it can usually be linked to poor standards of food and hygiene in package holiday hotels.

If your illness is caused by food being handled, cooked or served incorrectly in a package holiday hotel, you are well within your rights to claim compensation when you return to the UK. Anne Thomson, Head of our Holiday Illness Claims Department, says: “Gastroenteritis affects thousands of holidaymakers each year. If you have suffered any type of gastric illness abroad in a package holiday hotel, we can help you claim compensation. Call me on 080001 54321 or fill in the online claim form for more information.”

What is Gastroenteritis?

Gastroenteritis is an illness often caused by food poisoning and it refers to the inflammation or infection of the intestine. Gastroenteritis can be commonly caused by infections such as E.coli, Salmonella, Cryptosporidium, Campylobacter or Shigella.

Causes of Gastroenteritis

Common causes of Gastroenteritis include:

• Drinking local tap water.
• Drinking unpasteurized milk or contaminated liquids.
• Ingesting faecal matter in food or swimming pools.
• Eating food which has been cross contaminated.
• Eating food which has not been cooked, stored, handled or served correctly.

Common symptoms of Gastroenteritis

Common symptoms of Gastroenteritis include vomiting, diarrhoea, often with blood, headaches, abdominal cramps and nausea. You may also feel weak and suffer fatigue.

How long do symptoms of Gastroenteritis last?

The length of the illness largely depends on the severity of the infection but most cases clear up within 7 days. Severe infections, however, could cause ongoing health problems for weeks or months to come and patients who suffer illness abroad should also get checked out when they return to the UK.

Is Gastroenteritis preventable?

Yes, Gastroenteritis can be prevented in holiday hotels if food handlers:

• Wash their hands frequently after using the toilet and in between preparing different foods.
• Always store, handle and cook food correctly.
• Avoid cross contamination of foods which commonly occurs when the same chopping board is used for different foods or when raw meat is stored above cooked food in the fridge.
• Keeping all kitchen work surfaces and equipment clean.

How can Gastroenteritis be treated?

Gastroenteritis usually passes naturally within 7 days with plenty of rest and fluids but, if you are suffering a severe form of stomach illness and you are in danger of becoming dehydrated, you may require hospital treatment via an intravenous drip. Antibiotics may be prescribed by a doctor.

Mrs H from Hartfield obtained £3,750 from the tour operator after suffering Gastroenteritis at the Hotel Radisson Blu in Taba, Egypt. Her initial symptoms were so severe that it took some time before she recovered to her pre-illness state of health. Mrs H told us:  "We received the cheque today in settlement for the Egyptian holiday illness. We are extremely pleased with the outcome and wish to thank you for all your help in this matter.”

Mr and Mrs L of Leeds were awarded compensation of £2,772 after suffering Gastroenteritis during a holiday at the Tropicana Azure Club, Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt.