Call For Answers After Man Diagnosed With Salmonella, Giardia and Cryptosporidium

A man who was hospitalised and tested positive for three potentially fatal infections following a stay at a Corfu holiday resort earlier this year has called on specialist lawyers to help him gain answers regarding his ‘ordeal’.

David Plaisted, 59, from Steventon, Oxfordshire, fell ill with symptoms as his stay at the Nissaki Beach resort came to an end in July and, while he initially felt the problems of diarrhoea and vomiting would pass, he was taken to hospital after he collapsed on his return to the UK.

Doctors then confirmed that he was suffering from a waterborne infection and revealed that he had tested positive for not only salmonella food-poisoning, but also cryptosporidium and giardia, with the latter two commonly contracted from contaminated water.

Now, David has instructed Irwin Mitchell’s specialist International Personal Injury team to investigate the problems he faced and how his illness was caused. The team at Irwin Mitchell has considerable experience of handling cases of this nature and have represented thousands of holidaymakers who have fallen ill abroad.

The team has recovered millions of pounds from tour operators including representing over 600 people who fell ill at the Holiday Village in Turkey over successive years between 2009 and 2014, and over 1,000 fell who fell ill following holidays at the Bahia Principe in the Dominican Republic in 2007. The firm also notably acts for over 40 holidaymakers who suffered illness at the Steigenberger Aqua Magic Hotel in Hurghada, Egypt, earlier this year.

Expert Opinion

“The details provided to us by David are truly shocking, with him testing positive for three very serious and potentially fatal illnesses during his time in hospital.

“David is understandably upset and angry by what he endured and we are determined to ensure he gets the answers he deserves regarding what he has faced. Gastric illness can have a significant long-term impact on the health of victims, so the issues outlined in this case should not be downplayed.

“As part of our investigations we would like to hear from other guests who may have information about conditions at the hotel this summer.” Jatinder Paul - Partner

David’s seven-day stay at Nissaki Beach – which was booked through TUI – started on 24 June. He first started to feel unwell as he prepared to fly home on 2 July.

He recalls: “I felt really under the weather but just thought it was something that would pass given time. I struggled on at home for a few days, but then everything escalated when I collapsed.

“I went into hospital, had tests and was completely stunned to be told that I had developed three separate illnesses. It took me around a month to get through further symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting and I just can’t believe what has happened to me. It has been a complete ordeal.

“This was meant to be a relaxing break for me yet sadly all I will remember it for is the wrong reasons. I am hugely disappointed and just feel that I need some answers regarding everything that has happened. I only hope no one else goes through what I have.”

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in handling International Personal Injury cases.