I suffered diarrhoea for a YEAR after getting parasitic infection at Moroccan hotel: 70
More than 70 British holidaymakers say they were struck down with a parasitic infection from a four-star hotel – and were so ill they vomited blood.
All of the affected tourists stayed in the Hotel Aqua Mirage in Marrakech, Morocco over the summer and autumn of 2022.
Guests reported pool toilet cubicles were covered in diarrhoea and vomit after many were diagnosed with E.coli, salmonella and cryptosporidium.
Among those affected was Chelsea Hagan, 29, and her daughter Darcey, 6, from Anglesey, North Wales.
Chelsea began vomiting blood and was taken to hospital where she was diagnosed with cryptosporidium, a parasitic infection commonly transmitted to humans through contaminated water.
A year on, Chelsea, a trainee painter and decorator, continues to suffer from diarrhoea and mild gastritis, which is where the stomach becomes inflamed.
Chelsea Hagan (29) and her daughter Darcey (6) from North Wales vomited blood after contracting parasitic infection from a four-star hotel in Morocco
Sarita Sharma, the specialist international serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing the group, including Chelsea and Darcey, said: ‘The first-hand account we’ve heard from Chelsea about her illness and the similar symptoms suffered by Darcey as well as others are deeply concerning.
‘Chelsea was diagnosed with cryptosporidium following hospital tests, and what’s particularly worrying is that she continues to be affected by her illness a year on.
‘Chelsea and Darcey are just two of among more than 70 people who stayed at this hotel over the summer and autumn of 2022 only to be struck down with gastric illness.
‘Others we represent suffered illnesses including cryptosporidium, e.coli, campylobacter and salmonella, all of which can have long-term impacts on health.
‘Understandably our clients continue to have question and concerns about what happened to them.
Chelsea (pictured) was admitted to the hospital after her condition got worse
‘We’re now investigating those concerns to provide them with the answers they deserve.
‘If during the course of our investigations, any issues are identified, it’s vital lessons are learned, and other travellers are spared the suffering and distress that holiday illness and its impact can cause.
‘As part of our ongoing investigations, we are still keen to hear from anyone who stayed at the Hotel Aqua Mirage last year and suffered similar symptoms.’
Chelsea and Darcey’s holiday, booked through TUI UK Ltd, took place between 9 and 16 September, 2022.
On the day they returned to the UK, Darcey fell ill with gastric symptoms including diarrhoea and vomiting.
Chelsea took her to the GP on two occasions. During the second appointment she was referred to hospital.
Darcey (pictured) is in a better condition however Chelsea has ongoing health issues
Chelsea’s illness began around 24 September. She suffered diarrhoea, headaches, fatigue and stomach pain.
When she also began vomiting blood, Chelsea called NHS 111 and was advised to attend A&E.
Darcey’s symptoms eased around 7 October, however Chelsea has ongoing health issues.
Chelsea said: ‘When Darcey started being sick, I thought maybe it was from the heat on holiday, but after a few days I ended up taking her to the hospital as she wasn’t getting any better. It was awful seeing my little girl so unwell.
‘Then I fell ill, and I couldn’t believe how bad I got. I’ve never felt stomach pain like it. I spent almost a day in hospital vomiting. It was horrendous.
‘To find out I had a gastric infection was a huge shock and not something you expect just after returning from holiday.
‘However, when I think back I can recall that the hygiene standards at the resort weren’t what I’d class as great.
‘I remember raw meat was put next to cooked meat and people would pick at the food with their hands.
‘At one stage, one of the toilet cubicles by the pool was covered in diarrhoea and vomit; it was disgusting.
‘Almost a year on, I’m still not 100 per cent. While I know there’s nothing I can do to change what we’ve been through, I want some answers. I feel it’s the least we deserve.’