Holiday illness- am I entitled to compensation?

Sunflower123654

Unfortunately, our entire family became severely unwell during what was meant to be a relaxing holiday between 20th-27th August 2025. The illness began on day two, with my husband experiencing violent vomiting and diarrhoea, while myself and our two children suffered from stomach cramps and persistent diarrhoea. The remainder of our holiday was completely overshadowed by illness, with most days spent confined to the room.

Since returning home, I continued to experience loose stools and on Friday 5th September, I became acutely unwell with projectile vomiting, diarrhoea and a fever. The fever and vomiting ceased on Wednesday 10th September but diarrhoea is still continuing even now. I sought medical attention and tests confirmed that I had a bacterial infection. A stool sample tested positive for Cryptosporidiosis, a parasitic infection commonly linked to contaminated water or food.

While staying at the hotel, I witnessed two ambulances collecting guests and even saw a doctor in the hotel reception area. It was clear that many other families were affected, with reports of similar symptoms being discussed among guests.

I have email confirmation from the hotel stating there was an outbreak among multiple guests of what they referred to as a ‘viral’ illness. Additionally, the local pharmacist across the road (where I bought medication for my husband’s symptoms) told me that they had treated many guests from the same hotel recently. The pharmacist kindly wrote and stamped a letter confirming this.

I am wondering if others had experienced anything similar and what the likelihood of compensation is giving the circumstances. If so, how much? I am now off work as I cannot work with vulnerable people, nor do I feel well enough to. I am still unwell and feel utterly exhausted. 

NoodleDoodleMan

Was it a package holiday with the likes of TUI or Jet2 ?

If so did you report it to their local rep during your stay ?

If you have documented proof of the hotel accepting that they were the source of the contimination then go to the holiday provider in the first instance for action.

If it was a DIY booking then you need to deal with the hotel direct.

strawb_shortcake

A colleague has been infected with the same illness, I believe they had an underlying health condition but they've been off sick for months and unrecognisable in their appearance.

From what I understand it's a reportable illness and has to be investigated by the Authorities hear, I assume a health trust or body. Can you check if its a reportable illness where you holidayed to see if that would support your complaints? 

I hope you have a quick recovery 

NoodleDoodleMan

Thinking on - a viral infection as stated by the hotel is not the same as them admitting culpability in respect of contaminated food/water, two different possible sources of illness.

I wonder if the OP and family sought medical treatment from a doctor or clinic in their holiday location ? That is a key consideration IMO.

The letter from the pharmacist is of limited significance - it 's not a qualified diagnosis unfortunately.

Then there is another usual question - did guests eat or drink out in local restaurants or bars ?

Sunflower123654

Thank you all for your responses. It was a package holiday with Jet 2. My husband D&V was horrendous for 24 hours however, he did not attend hospital whilst over there (he’s usually really fit and well in the military and fear of hospitals, so a hospital abroad is absolutely not something he’d do willingly). I did advise him to go as he probably would have benefited from IV fluids. I am a registered nurse and now having to have time off due to occupation health reasons.

I have a timeline of all events from start, right up until now with how I am still being affected. 

I contacted Jet2 whilst on holiday and also saw a rep in resort. The hotel manager also emailed confirming an out break but put it down to ‘viral’. I did not eat out other than eating at the all inclusive resort. 

NoodleDoodleMan

Have Jet2 responded ?

You've ticked all the right procedural boxes by contacting them from your resort location and involving their local rep.

Regardless of your husband's aversion to hospitals, seeking medical treatment there and then would have been another positive tick in the box.

Not eating/drinking out is another plus.

Would you be prepared to identify the hotel ?

Sunflower123654

I am concerned that I may be done for ‘slander’ or it may jeopardise my case against them if I share the exact hotel. 

Jet2 have responded with generic emails. Initially they told me they will not communicate with me as I was not the lead passenger and so my husband raised the complaint via his email. However, jet2 continued to email me directly, so I took that as they were happy for me to continue to  raise the complaint. The most recent email was a generalised ‘acknowledgment’ email which was on the 4th September. 

NoodleDoodleMan

Not wishing to be pedantic - it's libel rather than slander here.

If the hotel has provided an email admitting that there was a problem as described then I can't see them having grounds to challenge identification.

You might want to consider raising this with Jet2 Managing Director direct ? I have experience of this - he directed it to one of his executives who contacted me and sorted the problem.

sheapy@jet2.com