Salmonella Food Poisoning On Holiday

Outbreaks of Salmonella food poisoning are on the increase in holiday hotels and aboard cruise ships throughout the world. If you suffer Salmonella food poisoning on holiday it will ruin your trip, and could leave you with expensive medical bills.

Although most cases of Salmonella clear up within a week or two, severe cases of the disease can cause serious illness and even death. Symptoms include: severe diarrhoea, abdominal cramps and prolonged bouts of vomiting. All-inclusive holiday package hotels, where buffet-style food is included in the price of your trip have seen many outbreaks of Salmonella over the past 12 months, and poor standards of hygiene and food preparation is often to blame.

All-inclusive buffets provide the perfect breeding ground for bacteria when the food is left uncovered, and open to the elements, attracting flies and other insects.

Almost any food or liquid can carry the Salmonella bacteria, although it is most commonly found in eggs and meat (particularly on the shell of the egg). Once contaminated food or drink is ingested, bacteria travels to the small intestine. In severe cases of holiday Salmonella food poisoning, however, bacteria can break through the intestinal wall to the blood stream, which can prove fatal if it is not treated quickly.

Within 12-72 hours sufferers of Salmonella food poisoning on holiday may experience symptoms of vomiting, fever, diarrhoea and stomach cramps. Between 4-7 days, illness can range from mild to severe, although most people will recover without treatment. Severe cases of Salmonella food poisoning on holiday are likely to occur in infants, elderly people or people with weakened immune systems. Oral or injected anti-biotics, taken for two weeks, should clear up severe symptoms of Salmonella food poisoning.

If you think you have contracted Salmonella food poisoning on holiday, you must seek urgent medical help as soon as possible, and inform your holiday rep or hotel manager if you are suffering symptoms of vomiting, diarrhoea, fever or stomach cramps.

Salmonella is a bacteria which can enter the system through contaminated water or meat, and commonly, through eggs with cracked shells. If other food comes into contact with food that is already carrying Salmonella. Chopping boards and food preparation areas must be kept scrupulously clean to avoid Salmonella passing from one food to another.

Salmonella bacteria can also be carried and passed on by pets, including birds, plus lizards and other reptiles.

If you have suffered Salmonella food poisoning, you may be referred to hospital to be rehydrated, particularly if you have suffered severe bouts of vomiting and diarrhoea. Most people recover from Salmonella food poisoning within two weeks, but severe holiday Salmonella poisoning can result in further complications, including: Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Joint Pain and Irritation of the eyes. Extreme cases of Salmonella can cause arthiritis, although this is uncommon.

If you suffer Salmonella food poisoning on holiday, you may have ingested contaminated food and water which was provided by the hotel. Your tour operator has a responsibility to ensure you are not exposed to food poisoning on holiday, and if poorly prepared food was to blame for your holiday illness, you could be entitled to seek compensation when you return to the UK.

Holiday food poisoning, including Salmonella, attacks the stomach and intestines, and can even enter the lymph tracts, which carry water and protein to the blood. Salmonella food poisoning on holiday can affect all ages. Prevention is better than cure, so if you suspect that food is undercooked, or prepared in an unhygienic environment, refuse to eat it, and make a complaint to the holiday representative or the hotel management.