Holidaymaker Had To Be Put On A Drip Due To Severe Symptoms

A family from New Milton are taking legal action after their holiday to Egypt was ruined due to illness which left one of them on a drip for severe dehydration.

Rachel Gepheart has told lawyers the problems began at the Desert Rose Resort in Hurghada  a few days into the break when her family, including her one-year-old daughter, started suffering from symptoms of gastroenteritis including severe diarrhoea and stomach cramps. 

The holiday, at the end of September last year, had been purchased through tour operator Blue Sea Holidays as an engagement present from Rachel’s father and also to celebrate his birthday. However, the celebrations were unfortunately limited as the family found themselves unable to enjoy excursions and activities due to all of them feeling unwell.

Specialist holiday illness lawyers at Irwin Mitchell have now been instructed to investigate the issues, following reports from Rachel that some food at the resort had been lukewarm and often left uncovered.  She said that new food items were added to items already left out on the buffet and that there had been flies around some of the food served in the restaurant. She also believed that some food was recycled from previous meals. 

At one point during their holiday, Rachel had to see a doctor in resort and had to be put on a drip due to the severity of her illness which was causing dehydration. Her daughter Lexi, who is now two-years-old, also needed medical treatment in resort and both of them have required follow up treatment from their GP on return from holiday because they are still experiencing symptoms.  Rachel was advised that she is likely to be suffering from irritable bowel syndrome and her symptoms may continue for the foreseeable future.

Expert Opinion

“This family travelled to Egypt hoping for a memorable holiday to mark a special occasion. Unfortunately the holiday was spoiled by severe and horrible gastric illness which ended up with them needing medical treatment both on holiday and when they got back to the UK.

We are concerned by the information we have been provided. Our client and her family suffered for most of their time at the Desert Rose in Egypt, and Rachel and her young daughter are still plagued by symptoms several months on.

This case highlights not only the impact that gastric illness issues can have on holidaymakers, but also how in some instances they can even lead to further health problems.

As part of our investigation, we would be keen to hear from anyone else who may have also been affected by illness during a stay at this resort.”
Clare Pearson - Legal Executive & Associate

The legal team at Irwin Mitchell have previously represented holidaymakers to the Egyptian Desert Rose Resort who fell ill on holiday last June. They also reported suffering from diarrhoea, abdominal pains and vomiting, which ruined their trip.

Rachel, 39, said: “It was just a horrible holiday and we spoke to other people who were poorly out there too.  There were often people queuing up to see the doctor with some of them shaking, some could barely walk, they all seemed to be suffering from similar gastric illness to us.

“It was meant to be an unforgettable, sentimental holiday for us, but we will now remember it for all the wrong reasons.”

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