Retail Worker Recalls ‘Flies On The Food’ And ‘Smell Of Sewage’

A County Durham woman has instructed lawyers to investigate after being struck down with gastric illness during a stay at a five-star hotel in Cape Verde.

Jill Craig, from Stanley, travelled to the Riu Cabo Verde in September this year to celebrate her 40^th birthday with her partner Andrew Weatherley.  The two-week trip was booked through tour operator TUI UK Limited.

During the holiday, Jill fell ill with gastric symptoms including stomach cramps, diarrhoea and nausea.  The retail worker sought medical advice at the resort and was put on an IV drip.

Following her return to the UK, Jill continues to suffer symptoms and she’s now asked expert international serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell, including Nadhia Akhtar, to investigate her illness.

Lawyers also investigating after more than 100 people struck down by illness while on holiday at same resort last year

It is the second year in a row that British holidaymakers to the resort have instructed Irwin Mitchell to investigate illnesses.  Last year more than 100 people also asked the law firm to investigate following an illness outbreak at the hotel, and hundreds other holidaymakers have instructed the firm following illness at other Cape Verde hotels in 2022. Their cases are ongoing.

Expert Opinion

“The first-hand account we’ve heard from Jill about the symptoms she’s suffered is concerning. We’ve also had reports from dozens of other holidaymakers who also fell ill at the Riu Cabo Verde.

“Gastric illness is serious, the effects of which should never be downplayed. In some cases, it can lead to long-term health problems.

“We’re now investigating Jill’s concerns. If any issues are identified, it’s vital that lessons are learned to prevent other holidaymakers from falling ill in the future.

“As part of our investigations, we’re keen to hear from anyone else affected while staying at the Riu Cabo Verde, in Cape Verde.” Nadhia Akhtar, International Serious Injury lawyer

County Durham woman put on IV drip after falling ill at Riu Cabo Verde hotel

Jill’s holiday took place between 10 and 24 September this year.

Five days in, Jill began to feel unwell with diarrhoea, nausea and stomach cramps.  She also suffered from headaches and flu-like symptoms.

She saw the hotel doctor who recommended she attend the clinic.  She underwent blood tests and was put on an IV drip.  She was also given medication.

Once home, Jill attended her GP and was prescribed further medication.

More than two months on, Jill continues to struggle with exhaustion and nausea.  The illness has also affected her psychologically.

Jill's story

She said: “I’d really been looking forward to the holiday for a long time as it was to celebrate my birthday and I was in need of a break.

“When I started to feel ill, I wasn’t too concerned, but I got worse as the days went on and ended up on a drip.  By that point, I was worried what was wrong with me.

“Thinking back, I remember on several occasions there being flies on the food, which was often left uncovered and served lukewarm.  New food was added to existing food, and the glasses in the restaurant were dirty and chipped.  I also recall there being a smell of sewage around the pool area and black mould on the tiles.

“The holiday and my birthday were ruined and, to this day, I’m still not 100 per cent. I know there’s nothing I can do to change what happened; I just want some answers.”

Find out more about supporting people affected by serious illness on holiday at our dedicated illness abroad section. Alternatively, to speak to an expert contact us or call 0808 291 2574.