Lawyers Investigate Illness Among Guests Staying At Occidental Jandia Playa Resort In Fuerteventura

A British holidaymaker has revealed how she was struck down with salmonella while staying at the same hotel as another tourist who died from the illness.

Michaela Smith, 50, fell ill eight days into her two-week all-inclusive holiday costing nearly £2,000 at the Occidental Jandia Playa in Fuerteventura. Medical tests confirmed she contracted salmonella. 

Tourist staying at Occidental Jandia Playa contracted fatal food poisoning days later

Two days after Michaela’s symptoms started, Leslie Green, from Bolton, also fell ill with salmonella. He later died in hospital in Fuerteventura. An inquest found the dad-of-two died as a result of food poisoning contracted on holiday.

Michaela, of Castleford, West Yorkshire, has now spoken for the first time about how she continues to be impacted by her illness. 

Lawyers representing holidaymakers who fell ill while staying in Fuerteventura 

The print finisher, who was on holiday with her husband Paul, 52, has instructed specialist international serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate her illness. 

The legal experts are also representing Leslie’s widow, Julie Green, who spent a week in hospital after she also contracted the bacterial infection. The couple, who had been married for 38 years, were staying at the four-star Occidental Jandia Playa when they fell ill.

Irwin Mitchell has also been instructed by two further British holidaymakers who also fell ill during their stay at the resort in October 2024. 

All had booked their holidays through tour operator Jet2holidays.

Jennifer Hodgson is the expert international serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing the holidaymakers.

Expert Opinion

“Michaela’s confirmed diagnosis of salmonella, which continues to affect her, is deeply concerning. What’s even more worrying is that she fell ill around the same time as Leslie and other holidaymakers who stayed at this resort.

“Typically, salmonella symptoms appear anywhere from between eight to 72 hours after exposure and can include diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, fever and fatigue. While for many, symptoms may pass in a few days, salmonella can lead to long-terms health complications and even death.

“Understandably, those we represent have a number of questions and concerns about their illness and whether they form part of an emerging pattern.

“Nothing will make up for what they’ve been through, but we’re determined to provide our clients with the answers they deserve.” Jennifer Hodgson

Salmonella: Michaela Smith's story

Micheala and Paul arrived at the Occidental Jandia Playa on 29 September, 2024.  It was the third time the couple had stayed at the resort, having previously stayed there in 2022 and April 2024. 

Michaela awoke on 7 October with stomach cramps and diarrhoea. Even after eating plain food Michaela said she needed to go to the toilet. She also had lethargy, severe headaches and a fever, having to turn the air conditioning off in her room and put a quilt on her bed. 

Four days into her illness Michaela visited a pharmacy and was given probiotics, electrolytes and rehydration salts. 

The day after returning home Michaela visited her GP with tests confirming salmonella. 

Michaela reveals impact of holiday illness and Fuerteventura hotel hygiene concerns

She said: “I woke up with stomach pains so intense they forced me out of bed and straight to the toilet. I had a fever, chills, a severe headache and couldn’t even eat bland food without being in agony. I was so weak that I was wiped out for the rest of the holiday. 

“We’d previously visited the resort and had really enjoyed it, so we were looking forward to returning. However, even though it was only a few months since our previous stay, it was completely different. To us it felt like the hotel was a lot more crowded and not as clean. 

“Before I fell ill, I’d had concerns about the chicken. It looked fine on the outside, but when I cut into the thicker part it was raw. One night I was served a piece of pork that was clearly raw, so I refused to eat anything that night. 

“It felt like the buffet was chaotic, food was cold, and there weren’t enough utensils. Even the pool was filthy, with a greasy oil slick floating on top.

“I tried to be cautious and look at everything I ate but I still fell ill. Even coming up to a year on since our holiday, I’m still not right. I’ve got ongoing symptoms and I’m a lot more cautious about what I eat and where. 

“I’m annoyed that our holiday was ruined because of my illness. However, in some ways I’m lucky. To hear others who stayed at the resort also fell ill and someone even died is dreadful. 

“My thoughts go out to them, and I hope they also get the answers they deserve.”

Inquest finds Leslie contracted salmonella after eating partially cooked chicken 

Leslie and Julie, arrived at the Occidental Jandia Playa resort on 1 October, 2024, to celebrate their 70th and 60th birthdays. Leslie fell ill on 9 October. He was diagnosed with salmonella and developed sepsis and multi-organ failure. He died four weeks later. 

In July an inquest at Rochdale Coroner’s Court concluded that Leslie’s salmonella was as a result of eating partially cooked chicken.

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in supporting families affected by serious illnesses such as salmonella on holiday at our dedicated holiday sickness claims section. Alternatively, to speak to an expert contact us or call 0370 1500 100.