E.coli In Cuba

Many cases of E.coli food poisoning have been reported in Cuba during the past 12 months at package tour hotels and many holidaymakers are now claiming compensation from tour operators for loss of enjoyment of their holidays.

E.Coli causes severe cramps and diarrhoea, and is a major cause of diarrhoea with blood. E.Coli can affect all age groups, but those most likely to become seriously ill with the disease are young children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems. E.Coli infection in Cuba is most prevalent in the summer months.

You may get an infection from E.Coli by eating beef or other meat which is not cooked thoroughly or is served pink in the middle or by drinking contaminated water or milk. Cattle can carry E.coli in their intestines and meat can become infected with the bacteria during the slaughtering process. When beef is minced the seeds of E.coli can become mixed throughout the meat. Food handlers at package tour hotels in Cuba must take every precaution to prevent holidaymakers becoming ill with E.Coli.

One of the most common ways of contracting E.Coli is by eating hamburger meat which is not cooked thoroughly or by eating beef which has not been cooked for long enough. When bacteria spread to your stomach and intestines, you are likely to become ill with symptoms of sickness, diarrhoea, stomach cramps and nausea. E.Coli is very contagious and can be passed on quickly from person to person.

Symptoms of E.Coli may start up to seven days after you are infected with the bacteria and severe stomach cramps will probably be followed by watery diarrhoea. You are then likely to feel sick and tired,and bright red stools may follow with blood in the diarrhoea. If you suffer E.Coli in Cuba, it is vital you seek medical advice as soon as possible and, if your symptoms start when you arrive back in the UK, make an appointment to see your GP.

The most common complications with E.coli include anaemia and kidney failure or damage. E.Coli can cause acute renal failure in children and this type of illness could start 5-10 days after the diarrhoea.

There is no specific treatment for E.coli, except drinking plenty of water and watching out for any further complications which could indicate serious illness. Never take medicine to stop diarrhoea unless your doctor advises you to as any type of blockingmedicine could stop your intestines from flushing out the germ. If you become severely dehydrated you may need treatment via an intravenous drip in hospital.

Food handlers can prevent E.coli infection from affecting guests in Cuba by:

Washing hands thoroughly with soap before cooking
Cooking minced beef products thoroughly
Never putting barbecued food on plates which once held raw meat
Cooking all burgers to at least 155F
Thawing all meats in the fridge and never leaving meat out in the kitchen to defrost
Keeping hot food hot and cold food cold
Keeping leftovers in the fridge or throwing them away

If you suffer symptoms of sickness and diarrhoea after eating food at a package tour hotel in Cuba, you could claim compensation for loss of enjoyment of your holiday, pain and suffering and medical expenses. However mild your symptoms of E.Coli are in Cuba, you should seek legal advice as soon as possible when you return to the UK and choose a solicitor to represent you who has an indepth knowledge of travel law and one who works on a no win, no fee basis.