Expert holiday illness lawyer's key advice as 100-plus guests at Izan Cavanna Hotel in La Manga reportedly fall ill with 'salmonella'

More than 100 guests, including children and a pregnant woman, have reportedly suffered suspected salmonella poisoning after dining at the four-star Izan Cavanna Hotel in La Manga, Spain, over the bank holiday weekend. 

A field hospital was set up on-site, and at least 20 individuals were reportedly hospitalised, including a 15-month-old baby and seven children.

The outbreak followed a lunch service on Saturday. Symptoms included nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and fever. Health inspectors have launched an investigation and taken samples from the hotel kitchen. 

What is salmonella?

Salmonella is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the gastrointestinal tract. It's one of the most common causes of foodborne illness globally. 

Foods commonly associated with salmonella food poisoning include: 

• Raw meat
• Poultry
• Raw eggs
• Dairy products

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms typically appear anywhere from between eight to 72 hours after exposure and include: 

• Watery diarrhoea
• Abdominal cramps
• Fever
• Vomiting (less common)
• Fatigue

In severe cases, especially among vulnerable individuals - such as the elderly or those with a compromised immune system - salmonella can lead to complications such as sepsis and multi-organ failure. 

What are your legal rights as a holidaymaker?

If you’ve suffered illness while on a package holiday, you may be entitled to bring a claim under the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018. These regulations protect UK consumers travelling abroad and place a legal duty on tour operators to ensure that accommodation and catering services meet acceptable health and safety standards.

You may be able to claim for:

• Pain, suffering and loss of enjoyment.
• Medical expenses, treatment costs and associated out of pocket expenses.
• Loss of earnings.
• Loss of enjoyment and compensation for the days of your holiday which were ruined.

What you should do if you’re affected by holiday illness

• Seek medical attention.
• Report your illness to your tour operator and local health authorities.
• Keep receipts and medical records for any treatment abroad.
• Where possible, take photos of any issues with health and hygiene noted in resort, to help evidence the issues in resort.

How to avoid food poisoning on holiday

While no method is foolproof, here are some practical steps to reduce your risk:

• Check hygiene ratings and recent reviews before booking.
• Be cautious with buffets: avoid food that looks like it has been left sitting out or isn’t kept at the correct temperature.
• Choose freshly cooked meals served hot.
• Avoid raw or undercooked items, especially meat, seafood, and eggs.
• Drink bottled water and avoid ice in drinks if local water isn’t safe.
• Wash your hands regularly, especially before eating.
• Report poor hygiene to hotel staff and your tour operator.

Conclusion

Through my work supporting families struck down by serious holiday illnesses, including salmonella, the impact of such sickness should never be downplayed. While for many symptoms may pass in a few days, salmonella can lead to long-terms health complications and even death.

It’s welcome that investigations appear to be under way into this outbreak. However, it’s vital that action is taken to identify the source of the illness and measures put in place to prevent further sickness. 

While it’s sadly too late for those affected, they need to be supported so they can receive any ongoing care they may require and the answers they deserve as to how their holidays will no doubt have been ruined. 

It’s important that holidaymakers don’t feel pressured into accepting any immediate payments as a way of compensating for what they may have been through without understanding their full legal rights.  

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in supporting tourists struck down with serious illnesses on holiday at our dedicated holiday sickness claims section. Alternatively, to speak to an expert contact us or call 0370 1500 100.