One holidaymaker has claimed her birthday trip to a five-star hotel was "ruined" by a gastric illness.
Jill Craig flew to the Riu Cabo Verde, in Cape Verde, in September to celebrate her 40th birthday with her partner Andrew Weatherley. But during the two week trip, booked through TUI UK, Jill, from Stanley, County Durham, claims she felt sick with gastric symptoms including stomach cramps, diarrhoea, and nausea.
The retail worker sought out medical advice as she felt worse and worse, and was put on an IV drip at the resort. But even after she returned to the UK, she continued to suffer symptoms and has now instructed lawyers to investigate her illness.
Five days after flying out on September 10, Jill began to feel unwell - suffering headaches, and flu-like symptoms. After visiting the hotel doctor, she was recommended to attend the clinic, and underwent blood tests as well as being put on an IV drip, and given some medication.
After getting home, Jill went to her GP, who prescribed further medication. But, more than two months on Jill has said she still struggles with exhaustion and nausea. The illness, she says, has also affected her psychologically.
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Jill claims: "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."
It's the second year in a row that British holidaymakers to the resort have instructed Irwin Mitchell to investigate gastric illness, ChronicleLive reported. Last year more than 100 people 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.
Nadhia Akhtar, the specialist international serious injury solicitor at Irwin Mitchell representing Jill, said: "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."
TUI has been approached for comment.
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