International Serious Injury Lawyers Instructed By Holidaymakers Who Suffered Gastric Illness

Specialist international serious injury lawyers have issued court proceedings after a number of holidaymakers were struck down by illness during a stay at the Jaz Bluemarine Hotel in Egypt.

A total of 16 people fell ill while on holiday at the five-star resort in Hurghada between February and August 2019.  Of these, four had to seek medical attention from the on-site hotel doctor with two admitted to the hotel’s medical centre for intravenous medication. The 12 others self-medicated on the advice of the pharmacist.

Of the 16, 11 contacted the NHS 111 helpline or their GP for further help following their return to the UK.

All those affected had booked their trip through tour operator TUI UK Ltd.

Bristol mum-of-two Julie Guest and her family fell ill after arriving in Egypt. The 58-year-old is among those who have instructed specialist international serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate their illness.

The legal team have now issued court proceedings.

Expert Opinion

“Our clients, including Julie and her family, were excited about their holiday to Egypt, but things went downhill when they were struck down with gastric symptoms. In some cases, such as this one, gastric illness can continue to blight the lives of those affected for a long time and the effects should never be downplayed.

Understandably those we represent continue to have a number of questions about why they fell ill. While they would rather not be going through this, they feel their only option is to take legal action.

We’re determined to support the families we represent in order to provide them with the answers they deserve but in the meantime call on TUI to help us resolve these cases as soon as possible.”
Hannah Clifford, International Serious Injury Lawyer

Julie Guest from Patchway, Bristol travelled to the Jaz Bluemarine on 22 July, 2019, with her daughters as well as her partner Naeem Iqbal, 60.

Lab technician Naeem was the first of the party to fall ill with the others developing symptoms shortly afterwards.  They complained of diarrhoea, abdominal pains, vomiting, nausea, fever and sweating.

Naeem and Julie, a social worker, visited the local pharmacy in Egypt and also spoke with the hotel doctor.  They phoned 111 following their return to the UK on 2 August, 2019.

Meanwhile, their youngest daughter Roxanna was taken to the see the doctor at the hotel clinic and was administered antibiotics and anti-diarrhoeal medication from the pharmacy.  Julie contacted their GP surgery regarding Roxanna’s symptoms following their return home.

Almost three tears on, they all continue to experience gastric symptoms and abdominal discomfort.

Julie said: “Our once-a-year family holiday, which we were so excited about and had spent all year saving for, was completely ruined by illness.

“During our stay, we saw so many ill guests at the hotel; some were so unwell they had to be taken to hospital.   We approached the staff for help, but felt they were very dismissive and we were advised to eat only bananas, which really wasn’t helpful when you’ve paid for an all-inclusive holiday.

“We remember the buffet food was lukewarm, and fresh food was added on top of the previous food.

“To this day, we’re all still suffering.  We had never visited Egypt before this holiday, and sadly after this experience we don’t ever wish to return.  All we want now are some answers; it’s the least we deserve.”

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in handling holiday illness cases