The holiday destinations and illnesses causing me most concern this summer

Instead of returning home with happy memories, many come back facing serious illness or injury, lengthy hospital treatment and, in some cases, life-changing health complications, often requiring long periods off work or lifetime care.

One of the biggest misconceptions I encounter is that gastric illness picked up on holiday is simply a short-lived stomach bug. While many people do recover within days, many of the cases I deal with involves people who have serious and lasting consequences.

Based on the enquiries and cases crossing my desk this summer, these are the destinations generating the greatest concerns and the infections I am seeing most often.

The destinations causing the greatest concern

1. Cape Verde

Unsurprisingly, Cape Verde continues to account for more enquiries than any other destination I'm currently dealing with. I'm now acting for more than 2,500 holidaymakers who report becoming ill following trips to the West African islands, as well as the loved ones of 10 people who sadly died after illnesses linked to holidays there. This summer, shigella infections are featuring prominently in many of the enquiries I'm receiving. Cases on this scale underline why serious gastric illness should never be underestimated.

2. Spain

As one of Britain's most visited holiday destinations, Spain continues to feature heavily in the enquiries received by my team. While most holidays pass without incident, I'm hearing from travellers whose illnesses have not only disrupted their breaks and continue to affect them long after they have returned home.

3. Turkey

Turkey remains another destination generating a notable number of enquiries this summer. Many people describe symptoms severe enough to require medical treatment abroad or ongoing care after returning home. Notably, this summer, my team has received dozens of enquiries from holidaymakers returning from various resorts in the Antalya region.

4. Egypt

I'm continuing to see a growing number of illness enquiries linked to holidays in Egypt. A common theme is how quickly a family holiday can be overshadowed by illness, with some people continuing to experience symptoms for weeks or months after returning to the UK.

5. Mexico

Mexico completes the top five destinations generating concern this summer. While millions of people visit the country each year without issue, I’m seeing an increase in enquiries involving serious gastric illness linked to holidays.

The infections I encounter most often

1. Shigella

Shigella is currently the infection I see most frequently, particularly in relation to Cape Verde. Symptoms can include severe diarrhoea, stomach cramps, fever and dehydration, with some sufferers requiring hospital treatment.

2. Salmonella

Salmonella is one of the most common causes of holiday illness often caused by undercooked poultry or eggs. While many people associate it with food poisoning, the effects can be far more severe than many realise, particularly when recovery is prolonged or complications arise.

3. E. coli

One trend that particularly concerns me is the number of enquiries involving E. coli. Alongside these cases, I've also noted an increase in people affected by Haemolytic Uraemic Syndrome (HUS), a rare but potentially life-threatening condition commonly triggered by E.coli, that can lead to kidney failure and other serious life-long health complications.

Recent enquiries linked to holidays in Egypt have highlighted these risks, including cases involving children diagnosed with HUS following E. coli infections. It's a stark reminder that what may initially appear to be a gastric illness can sometimes develop into a medical emergency with life-changing consequences.

4. Campylobacter

Campylobacter regularly features in enquiries I receive from returning holidaymakers and remains one of the most common causes of bacterial gastrointestinal illness worldwide. For some people, recovery can take considerably longer than expected.

5. Cyclospora

Cyclospora may be less familiar than other infections on this list, but it can still be incredibly debilitating.

I’ve noticed a marked increase in cyclospora-related enquiries linked to holidays in Mexico. Symptoms can last for weeks and may recur, meaning some travellers continue to suffer long after returning home. The increase in cases serves as another reminder that even lesser-known infections can have a significant impact on health and wellbeing.

Why these cases matter

One of the reasons I continue to highlight these issues is because gastric illness, especially when connected to holidays, is often underestimated. People frequently assume a few days of stomach upset is the worst-case scenario. Unfortunately, my experience tells me otherwise.

I’ve worked with people whose holidays have ended in lengthy hospital admissions, individuals dealing with long-term health complications months and years later, and families who have tragically lost loved ones following serious infections.

The impact often extends far beyond the illness itself. Many people face time away from work, financial pressures, disruption to education and family life, and the psychological effects of what they've experienced.

Whilst a compensation claim can never turn back the clock, a key part of my role is helping people to understand what happened and, where appropriate, ensuring they can access the support, treatment and rehabilitation they need.

Prevention and awareness remain key

The vast majority of overseas holidays pass without incident and nobody should be put off travelling.

However, the trends I'm seeing this summer reinforce the importance of good hand hygiene, being mindful of food and drink safety, recognising symptoms early and seeking prompt medical attention where concerns arise.

Most importantly, holiday illness should never be dismissed as "just a stomach bug". As the cases crossing my desk continue to demonstrate, some infections can have serious, long-term and, in the most tragic circumstances, fatal consequences.

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in supporting tourists affected by serious illnesses linked to holidays at our dedicated international serious injury section.