50 holiday illness terms explained

If you are unfortunate enough to suffer holiday illness or food poisoning abroad, the last thing you need, when you make a complaint, is to be baffled by holiday illness jargon. The following is a jargon-busting list which explains the common holiday terms in plain English:

For more information how to make a no win no fee no obligation compensation claim phone 08000 154321 or click here for http://www.yourholidayclaims.co.uk/


1. What is ABTA?


ABTA stands for the Association of British Travel Agents, and this is the main trade body for the UK travel industry. It provides a code of conduct which all members should adhere to, and can be particularly useful if you have suffered food poisoning or food poisoning symptoms.


2. ABTA Code of Conduct explained


The ABTA Code of Conduct is the contracted relationship between travel agents, tour operators and you, the client. Symptoms of food poisoning and food poisoning outbreaks are not uncommon on holiday cruise ships or in holiday package hotels.


3. Acceptance in a legal contract

Acceptance of a legal contract can be made by words or conduct, which has to be exactly on the same terms as the offer. Food poisoning on holiday is more rife than ever, so if you have suffered, claim from a personal injury solicitor when you return to the UK.


4. What are Adenoviruses?


Adenoviruses are a group of viruses which infect membranes in your respiratory tract, the eyes, the intestines and the urinary tract. Symptoms can include breathing problems, diarrhoea, conjunctivitis, cystitis and rashes. Young children are particularly affected and adenoviruses are also common causes of viral gastroenteritis. If you have suffered diarrhoea food poisoning or other types of food poisoning on holiday you may be able to claim compensation.


5. Avian Flu and holiday illness


Avian flu is caused by birds and normally occurs in people who are in close contact with poultry or other birds. Outbreaks in poultry usually spreads rapidly, but it is not picked up easily by humans. If you have food poisoning signs on holiday you should seek food poisoning treatment as soon as possible.


6. Bacillus bacteria


Bacillus bacteria regularly contaminates raw food and food materials, particularly vegetables. This bacteria will grow quicker in a warm kitchen environment and if you eat food contaminated with bacillus, you are likely to develop gastrointestinal illness. If you suspect holiday food poisoning from a food poisoning virus such as bacillus bacteria, seek medical help immediately.


7. Botulism toxins


Botulism toxins are found in soil and can cause serious illness or death. Symptoms begin with blurred vision and difficulty swallowing. You can contract botulism through food, and diarrhoea and vomiting may also occur. Death occurs in 5-10% of cases due to respiratory failure. If you are aware of food poisoning reports on holiday or food poisoning on a cruise ship, seek medical help and legal advice when you return to the UK from a personal injury solicitor.


8. Campylobacter source and symptoms


Campylobacter accounts for many holiday food poisoning cases and symptoms include: severe diarrhoea and stomach pain. Food sources include: undercooked meat and poultry, unpasteurised milk and untreated water. Campylobacter can be spread by domestic animals and humans.


9. Cholera explained


Cholera is an acute intestinal infection caused by the bacteria, Vibrio cholera. Spread by contaminated water and food, cholera is common in developing countries where there is no clean water and inadequate sewage systems. Symptoms include severe diarrhoea, vomiting and leg cramps, and the disease can be fatal, although fewer than 10% of people actually go on to develop serious symptoms. Cholera is normally passed on by a contaminated water supply.


10. Group Actions


A group or class action is a legal action between claimants for a joint settlement. People who have suffered the same holiday illness, such as food poisoning or norovirus on a cruise ship, for example, may be able to take up a group action in the UK to sue the tour operator.


11. Compensation for holiday illness


If you have suffered holiday sickness or food poisoning on holiday, you may be able to claim compensation. The amount of compensation for holiday food poisoning or gastroenteritis food poisoning depends on the severity of the holiday illness. A personal injury solicitor who specialises in holiday illness compensation may be able to sue the tour operator for the loss of enjoyment of your holiday, medical expenses and loss of earnings.


12. Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations


These regulations were introduced to protect the consumer from unfair trading, misleading omissions and actions. If you have booked a holiday which was not all it appeared to be in the brochure, or you have had to seek food poisoning treatments, you should contact a personal injury solicitor when you return to the UK.


13. Contract explained


A contract is an agreement which creates legal relations between two individuals or groups of people. A contract is intended to be binding for both parties, and is usually written in return for a product, service or return for money.


14. Cryptosporidium illness


Cryptosporidium is a parasite which causes infection to people and cattle. Most common in young children, the most common symptom of cryptosporidium is watery diarrhoea. It can be found in soil, food, water or on surfaces which have been infected with human or animal faeces. It can be contracted by consuming contaminated food or water or swimming in contaminated water on holiday. If you think you have suffered cryptosporidium holiday illness, seek medical help and contact a personal injury solicitor on your return home.


15. Damages explained


A payment of damages is designed to put the injured party in the same financial position they would have been in before the holiday illness or accident occurred. You can claim damages and compensation if you have suffered salmonella food poisoning or any type of gastrointestinal illness on holiday which was the fault of the hotel or cruise ship, with the help of a solicitor who specialises in holiday illness compensation.


16. What is Dengue Fever?


Dengue fever is a debilitating illness that is transmitted by day time mosquito bites. Endemic in over 100 countries, Dengue fever has increased over the past decade.


17. Contract Discharge


A contract can be discharged by performance of the contract, discharge by agreement, discharge because the contract has been breached or discharge because the contract cannot carry on. Food poisoning disease and bacteria food poisoning on holiday is more prevalent than ever. If you have suffered holiday food poisoning you may be able to claim compensation in the UK.


18. Dysentery explained


Also known as shigellosis, bacillary dysentery is usually contracted through eating food washed with contaminated water or human faeces. You are most likely to contract dysentery in areas of the world where hygiene is poor and symptoms include: diarrhoea, sometimes with blood and mucus. Death from food poisoning is relatively uncommon, but dysentery can cause serious illness and dehydration.


19. E-Coli illness


The bacteria which cause E-Coli is found in the intestines of cattle, and it is normally contracted by eating contaminated food. Undercooked beef mince is a common food source, plus milk, water, cheese or even vegetable products. Outbreaks of E-Coli have been known to occur in crowded places such as schools, hospitals and old people´s homes. If there is an outbreak of E-Coli in your holiday hotel or on board a cruise ship, which could have been prevented, you may be able to claim for food poisoning holiday illness compensation.


20. Exclusion clauses in a contract


Exclusion clauses in a contract occur when one person involved with the contract disagrees with a clause or a point. It can then be removed or revised, once an agreement is reached.


21. Frustration in a contract


Frustration with regard to a contract is when something happens which is beyond the control of either party, and results in the terms of the contract becoming illegal or different from what was intended. Both parties may then be excused from the contract.


22. Giardia illness


Giardia occurs when parasites grow in the intestines of infected people or animals. Symptoms include diarrhoea and the disease can be passed on by direct contact with infected animals or humans, or by consumption of water, food or drinks infected with the faeces of humans or animals. If you have suffered holiday bacteria food poisoning or holiday food poisoning from water, contact a personal injury solicitor in the UK who will help you claim compensation.


23. Hepatitis A illness


Hepatitis A is a viral infection which can have mild symptoms to begin with, but can lead to liver inflammation, jaundice or even liver failure. Symptoms are usually worse in older people, and can be spread by faeces or through blood. If you are travelling to a country where Hepatitis A is common, seek medical advice before you go. Other illnesses which you can ask your doctor about include holiday food poisoning diagnosis and holiday food poisoning treatment in the country you are travelling to.


24. Hepatitis E


Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver, and viral infections are the most common causes of infection. It is contracted, most commonly, by the faecal-oral route and is common in Asia, Africa and Central America and is particularly serious in pregnant women. If you are travelling to a developing country, seek advice about common illness, holiday food poisoning and things to watch out for before you travel.


25. Illegality under contract law


Any contract that causes someone to do something illegal will not be enforced by the courts.


26. Implied terms of a contract


Where the parties involved in a contract don´t express a particular term in a contract, it can later be implied into the contract.

27. Contract injunction


An injunction is a court order which stops a person doing a particular thing.


28. Intention to create legal relations


For an agreement to be enforceable, each party must intend that it is legally binding on the other.


29. Invitation to treat in a contract


This is an expression by someone to show they are willing to enter into negotiation with the potential other party.


30. What is Japanese Encephalitis?


Japanese Encephalitis is the most common form of viral encephalitis in Asia, and is transmitted by mosquitoes. More than 50,000 cases are reported each year with 10,000 deaths, mainly in children. Particularly endemic in wet, rural areas where mosquitoes like to breed, rice fields are a particular hazard. Pigs and wading birds also host this virus. Holiday illness can spoil your holiday and also seriously affect your health. If you have suffered food poisoning on holiday from chicken, or possible food poisoning from eggs or even listeria food poisoning on a cruise ship or in a holiday hotel, you can probably claim compensation.


31. Legal Costs


If you claim compensation for holiday food poisoning, your costs are likely to be covered by the party you are claiming against (in many cases of holiday food poisoning, this would mean the tour operator). Always use a no win no fee solicitor to ensure you won´t have to pay anything towards legal costs or court costs when fighting your case for a holiday food poisoning compensation claim. Use a solicitor who deals with personal injury and specialises in holiday food poisoning compensation cases.


32. About Legionnaires Disease


Caused by legionella bacterium, Legionnaire´s Disease is an uncommon form of pneumonia and most cases are individual and not outbreaks. Smokers are at higher risk and the disease normally affects the over-50´s. Symptoms can include flu-like symptoms, confusion and diarrhoea, and death will occur in 10-15% of sufferers. Infections occur from inhaling legionella bacteria which can live in any type of water, and most commonly in air conditioning or cooling units, or spa pools. Water systems which are not properly maintained or installed are most at risk. If you have suffered legionnaire´s disease on holiday through neglect of the air conditioning unit in your room, you will have a good case for holiday illness compensation.


33. Limitation Periods explained


A limitation period is the amount of time you have to bring a case to court. If you fail to bring the case to court within the time limit, your case will not be allowed to go ahead. Holiday illness cases such as food poisoning on a cruise ship or in a holiday package hotel are also subject to limitation periods, so contact a personal injury solicitor as soon as you return to the UK.


34. Listeria


Listeria is rare but life-threatening. Healthy adults may suffer flu like symptoms or gastroenteritis, but listeria in its worse form can cause blood poisoning or meningitis. Listeria is very dangerous in pregnancy, and can cause miscarriage, premature delivery or serious illness in a new born child. Listeria can be found in soft cheeses made from unpasteurized milk, raw meat, unpasteurized milk, unwashed vegetables, deli meats, and hot dogs or sausages that are not properly cooked. If you suffered food poisoning symptoms on holiday, you could have contracted listeria food poisoning. Seek medical help and legal help when you return to the UK.


35. Lyme Disease


Humans become infected by being bitten by hard-bodied ticks, which are infected with B.burgdorferi. Ticks become infected when they feed on birds or mammals which carry the disease. Symptoms can include a flu like illness and a round red rash.

36. Malaria and food poisoning holiday illness

Although Malaria is life-threatening, it can be prevented by taking anti-malarial drugs before and during your holiday or trip. The four types of malaria which affect humans, and are transmitted by the bite of a female mosquito, include: Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium ovale and Plasmodium malariae. If you are planning to travel to an area where malaria is prevalent, speak to your doctor before you leave. More common types of holiday illness include bacterial food poisoning and norovirus holiday food poisoning.


37. Misrepresentation of a contract


If a statement within a contract is untrue, it is a misrepresentation of the contract, which can result in the agreement being cancelled, or the other party could make a compensation claim.


38. Online Money Claims


Online money claims is an extension of the small claims court, which allows a claimant to register their claim online. The service is provided by the UK Courts Service and can save you time and money.


39. About Mosquitoes


Mosquitoes are part of the Diptera Insect order and have characteristic scaly wings and a long feeding mouth-part. Many different species of mosquitoes can be found worldwide. Mosquito bites normally cause mild irritation to the skin, but can cause serious illness and even death in developing countries. Illness caused by mosquito bites is not nearly as common as holiday illness food poisoning which can occur regularly in holiday package hotels or on board cruise ships.


40. Norovirus holiday sickness


The reported outbreaks of Norovirus on board cruise ships and in holiday package hotels have increased dramatically over the past 5 years. Norovirus can be contracted from food and water, and symptoms include diarrhoea and vomiting. Norovirus is highly contagious and spreads quickly through holiday hotels and cruise ships. If you have suffered holiday norovirus, seek advice of a personal injury solicitor who specialises in holiday illness compensation claims.


41. Norwalk-like Virus and holiday illness


Both Norovirus and Norwalk-like viruses are found in the gastrointestinal tract, and spread easily from one person to another. Environmental contamination is common, and contamination also commonly occurs from seafood, fish and water. An incubation period of 24-48 hours is common and the virus is highly contagious. Food poisoning from Norwalk-like Viruses is not uncommon in holiday hotels or cruise ships. Seek professional advice in the UK from a holiday illness claims solicitor who specialises in travel law.


42. Package Travel Regulations and what they mean


The Package Travel Regulations were created following a European Directive, which followed many holiday complaints in Europe. Consumers found they had little redress if a package holiday contract was breached, and the introduction of the regulations in the UK in 1992, was a big boost for consumer rights. The Package Travel Regulations also set out terms regarding liability of a tour operator towards a holiday maker. If you feel your holiday package contract has been breached, and you have had treatment for food poisoning or witnessed food poisoning cases in your holiday hotel or on board a cruise ship you may be able to claim holiday illness compensation.


43. Paratyphoid explained


Paratyphoid is a disease caused by the Salmonella bacteria, and is generally milder than typhoid fever, although the symptoms are similar. The disease nearly always happens abroad and is caused by the ingestion of heavily contaminated food and water. Bacteria is passed on through the faeces and urine of infected people, and by eating food and water handled by an infected person. Good hygiene can normally prevent the spread of Paratyphoid but you should contact a personal injury solicitor immediately if you think you may have contracted the disease on holiday and make a compensation claim.


44. Pontiac Fever


A mild, flu-like illness, Pontiac Fever is caused by legionella bacteria. Symptoms can include: fever, headaches and muscle aches but not pneumonia, which is common with Legionnaire´s Disease. Outbreaks of the disease are uncommon in the UK. If you think you have suffered Pontiac Fever on holiday abroad, you may be able to claim holiday illness compensation when you return to the UK.


45. Rabies danger


An acute viral infection, Rabies is nearly always fatal. Transmission is through saliva from an infected animal bite, and dog bites are the main cause. The annual number of rabies deaths is between 40,000 and 70,000, and most deaths take place in developing countries in Asia. If you are bitten by an animal while on holiday, seek urgent medical help. Not nearly as dangerous, but much more common, is holiday food poisoning. Seek advice from a personal injury solicitor who specialises in holiday illness compensation claims, for any illness you may suffer on holiday.


46. About Rotovirus


Rotovirus is the most common cause of gastroenteritis in young children. Symptoms include watery diarrhoea lasting between 5 and 8 days, preceded by vomiting. Dehydration is common among Rotovirus sufferers and fever may also occur. The incubation period is between 24 and 28 hours. Holiday norovirus or rotovirus can ruin your trip, so check if you can claim compensation for holiday illness when you get back to the UK.


47. Salmonella food poisoning


Salmonella food poisoning on holiday can be serious. Symptoms include watery diarrhoea, stomach cramps and vomiting and fever. The incubation period is between 12 and 72 hours and the disease can spread easily from person to person. Transmission occurs after eating contaminated food or by faecal contamination from an infected human or animal. If the hygiene standards at your holiday hotel left a lot to be desired, and you contracted salmonella food poisoning, call a personal injury solicitor in the UK and claim compensation.


48. Shigella infection


Shigella infections are normally contracted from faecal-oral and spread occasionally from food and water. Shigella is highly contagious and would spread quickly through a holiday hotel or a cruise ship. Shigella incubation period is 1-7 days. Food poisoning on holiday can ruin your trip. Seek legal advice about a compensation claim for food poisoning if you contracted it in a holiday package hotel or on board a cruise ship.


49. Small Claims Court


The Small Claims Court enables you to get low cost access to the justice system if you have a small claim. You can claim up to £1000 for personal injury claims and £5000 for contractual claims. Holiday illness claims and holiday food poisoning claims need to be dealt with by a personal injury solicitor who specialises in travel law.


50. The Solicitors Code of Conduct


The Solicitors Code of Conduct is the code by which all solicitors are obligated to operate under. It was created by the Law Society and is monitored by The Solicitors Regulatory Authority. If you have suffered holiday food poisoning, always go to a professional personal injury solicitor as opposed to a claims management firm, to ensure you receive the professional advice you deserve.



Holiday food poisoning and holiday illness can be serious. Don´t suffer in silence, and if the tour operator, the holiday package hotel staff or the cruise ship staff were at fault, and caused your holiday sickness, make a claim for holiday illness compensation. Farnworth Rose Personal Injury Solicitors specialise in travel law and holiday food poisoning claims. Contact them free today for your no win no fee assessment on 08001 54321 or fill in the online claim form.

Hell´s Kitchen

Food poisoning can be fatal

Food poisoning in the UK is increasing. The number of cases of Salmonella has remained high in the past few years, and Campylobacter cases have doubled.

For more information how to make a no win no fee no obligation compensation claim phone 08000 154321 or click here for http://www.yourholidayclaims.co.uk/


Better training of food handlers needs to take place, and better care must be taken to ensure food is kept at the proper temperatures. Cross contamination is also a big problem which needs to be addressed.


Bacillus cereus

This is a spore forming bacteria which is often found in rice from take-away restaurants. Symptoms of Bacillus cereus include diarrhoea and abdominal cramps between 6-15 hours after consumption of contaminated food. Nausea may occur and symptoms usually last 24 hours.

Source of Bacillus cereus

You can contract the disease from meat, milk, vegetables and fish, but outbreaks have normally been associated with rice, potato, pasta and cheese products. Sauces, puddings, soups, casseroles, pastries and salads can also be contaminated.


Campylobacter

Campylobacter is a group of spiral-shaped bacteria that can cause disease in humans and animals. Most human illness is caused by Campylobacter jejuni. Birds carry this illness without becoming ill themselves. Proper cooking, milk pasteurising and chlorination of water will all kill bacteria. This is the most common cause of acute bacterial diarrhoea in the UK. Symptoms include diarrhoea, cramping, abdominal pain and fever within 2-5 days after exposure, and can include nausea and vomiting.

Sources of Campylobacter

Raw or undercooked meat and poultry, offal, contaminated water or milk. Contamination is usually from excreta of birds, cattle and family pets. 40,000 cases are reported annually in the UK.

Clostridium perfringens

This is distributed throughout the environment and is normally found in human and animal intestines. The illness is caused by bacteria releasing toxins in the digestive canal. Symptoms include intense abdominal cramps and diarrhoea, and usually lasts less than 24 hours. It can last up to two weeks in severe cases. The illness can be mistaken with 24-hour flu.

Food sources

Meat, meat products and gravy are usually implicated with food poisoning caused by clostridium perfringens. The young and the elderly are most at risk.

Clostridium botulinum

Clostridium botulinum causes severe food poisoning, and is caused by the ingestion of foods containing the neurotoxin formed from bacteria. The illness is rare but can be fatal and can be destroyed by heating at 80ºC for at least 10 minutes. Symptoms can show up 4 hours to 8 days after ingestion, and include weakness, vertigo, double vision, difficulty in speaking, swallowing and breathing, muscle weakness and constipation. Paralysis and death can follow between 18 and 36 hours later if untreated.

Food source

Incriminated foods include: tinned or vacuum-packed food.

Cryptosporidium parvum

Members of this family are parasites from the intestinal tracts of fish, reptiles, birds and mammals. Cryptosporidium is passed in the faeces and is common in drinking water which originated from drainage of agricultural land. Symptoms usually include short term diarrhoea unless you suffer from a compromised immune system which can make the illness more severe.

Escherichia coli (E coli)

Normally found in animal and human intestines, E coli can be serious. One group of bacteria cause severe infantile diarrhoea and another cause traveller´s diarrhoea. Food sources include undercooked minced beef and unpasteurised milk. The elderly or very young can develop anaemia and renal failure. Symptoms include abdominal pain, fever, diarrhoea and vomiting and normally show between 10 and 72 hours after ingestion and last between 1 and 5 days.

Avoid E.coli

Ensure all meat is cooked thoroughly and juices run clear when spiked. Always avoid unpasteurised milk and separate raw and cooked foods to prevent cross contamination. Disinfect all surfaces and utensils used for food preparation. Wash hands regularly and always use a disinfectant hand wash.

Food source

Foods often incriminated include soft cheese, but the main contamination comes from food handlers.

Giardia lamblia

Giardia lamblia is a parasite which exists in two forms and lives in the small intestine, and is passed through faeces. Symptoms include severe diarrhoea from contaminated food or water.

Listeria monocytogenes

Listeria monocytogenes is a food-borne illness which is often transmitted to ready-to-eat foods, and is widely found in sewage and decaying vegetable matter. To avoid listeria always wash salads before use, never eat chilled products after the sell by date, and ensure your fridge is kept at the correct temperature. The onset of symptoms is normally 8 days to 3 months, and they include nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Meningitis and blood poisoning can occur in pregnant women. Antibiotic treatment is effective.

Food source

Foods known to cause listeria include: salads, sandwiches, paté, cooked meat and ready meals. Other suspected foods include milk, ice cream, raw and smoked fish and soft cheese.

Salmonella

Salmonella is found in animals, including poultry and pigs and environmental sources include water, soil, insects, kitchen surfaces, animal faeces, raw meats and raw seafood. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhoea, fever and headache and normally start 6 to 48 hours after infection.

Shigella

Shigella is found in the intestine of man and other animals, and is also known as bacillary dysentery. Symptoms include diarrhoea, fever, vomiting and abdominal pain and can start 12 hours to 2 days after infection. Foods incriminated include salads, raw vegetables, milk and dairy products, poultry and contaminated water.

Norwalk Virus

Norwalk Virus is an intestinal infection which occurs in outbreaks and is normally associated with shellfish. The virus is passed in the stool of infected persons and people get infected by swallowing stool-contaminated food or water. Other sources of infection include salads, eggs, ice and ready to eat foods. Norwalk is more common in adults and older children and symptoms normally appear within 10 days. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and stomach cramps.

Anyone can get Norwalk virus infection, but it may be more common in adults and older children. Illness normally lasts 24 to 60 hours.















Hell´s Kitchen

Food poisoning can be fatal

Food poisoning in the UK is increasing. The number of cases of Salmonella has remained high in the past few years, and Campylobacter cases have doubled.

Better training of food handlers needs to take place, and better care must be taken to ensure food is kept at the proper temperatures. Cross contamination is also a big problem which needs to be addressed.


Bacillus cereus

This is a spore forming bacteria which is often found in rice from take-away restaurants. Symptoms of Bacillus cereus include diarrhoea and abdominal cramps between 6-15 hours after consumption of contaminated food. Nausea may occur and symptoms usually last 24 hours.

Source of Bacillus cereus

You can contract the disease from meat, milk, vegetables and fish, but outbreaks have normally been associated with rice, potato, pasta and cheese products. Sauces, puddings, soups, casseroles, pastries and salads can also be contaminated.


Campylobacter

Campylobacter is a group of spiral-shaped bacteria that can cause disease in humans and animals. Most human illness is caused by Campylobacter jejuni. Birds carry this illness without becoming ill themselves. Proper cooking, milk
pasteurising and chlorination of water will all kill bacteria. This is the most common cause of acute bacterial diarrhoea in the UK. Symptoms include diarrhoea, cramping, abdominal pain and fever within 2-5 days after exposure, and can include nausea and vomiting.

Sources of Campylobacter

Raw or undercooked meat and poultry, offal, contaminated water or milk. Contamination is usually from excreta of birds, cattle and family pets. 40,000 cases are reported annually in the UK.

Clostridium perfringens

This is distributed throughout the environment and is normally found in human and animal intestines. The illness is caused by bacteria releasing toxins in the digestive canal. Symptoms include intense abdominal cramps and diarrhoea, and usually lasts less than 24 hours. It can last up to two weeks in severe cases. The illness can be mistaken with 24-hour flu.

Food sources

Meat, meat products and gravy are usually implicated with food poisoning caused by clostridium perfringens. The young and the elderly are most at risk.

Clostridium botulinum

Clostridium botulinum causes severe food poisoning, and is caused by the ingestion of foods containing the neurotoxin formed from bacteria. The illness is rare but can be fatal and can be destroyed by heating at 80ºC for at least 10 minutes. Symptoms can show up 4 hours to 8 days after ingestion, and include weakness, vertigo, double vision, difficulty in speaking, swallowing and breathing, muscle weakness and constipation. Paralysis and death can follow between 18 and 36 hours later if untreated.

Food source

Incriminated foods include: tinned or vacuum-packed food.

Cryptosporidium parvum

Members of this family are parasites from the intestinal tracts of fish, reptiles, birds and mammals. Cryptosporidium is passed in the faeces and is common in drinking water which originated from drainage of agricultural land. Symptoms usually include short term diarrhoea unless you suffer from a compromised immune system which can make the illness more severe.

Escherichia coli (E coli)

Normally found in animal and human intestines, E coli can be serious. One group of bacteria cause severe infantile diarrhoea and another cause traveller´s diarrhoea. Food sources include undercooked minced beef and unpasteurised milk. The elderly or very young can develop anaemia and renal failure. Symptoms include abdominal pain, fever, diarrhoea and vomiting and normally show between 10 and 72 hours after ingestion and last between 1 and 5 days.

Avoid E.coli

Ensure all meat is cooked thoroughly and juices run clear when spiked. Always avoid unpasteurised milk and separate raw and cooked foods to prevent cross contamination. Disinfect all surfaces and utensils used for food preparation. Wash hands regularly and always use a disinfectant hand wash.

Food source

Foods often incriminated include soft cheese, but the main contamination comes from food handlers.

Giardia lamblia

Giardia lamblia is a parasite which exists in two forms and lives in the small intestine, and is passed through faeces. Symptoms include severe diarrhoea from contaminated food or water.

Listeria monocytogenes

Listeria monocytogenes is a food-borne illness which is often transmitted to ready-to-eat foods, and is widely found in sewage and decaying vegetable matter. To avoid listeria always wash salads before use, never eat chilled products after the sell by date, and ensure your fridge is kept at the correct temperature. The onset of symptoms is normally 8 days to 3 months, and they include nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Meningitis and blood poisoning can occur in pregnant women. Antibiotic treatment is effective.

Food source

Foods known to cause listeria include: salads, sandwiches, paté, cooked meat and ready meals. Other suspected foods include milk, ice cream, raw and smoked fish and soft cheese.

Salmonella

Salmonella is found in animals, including poultry and pigs and environmental sources include water, soil, insects, kitchen surfaces, animal faeces, raw meats and raw seafood. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhoea, fever and headache and normally start 6 to 48 hours after infection.

Shigella

Shigella is found in the intestine of man and other animals, and is also known as bacillary dysentery. Symptoms include diarrhoea, fever, vomiting and abdominal pain and can start 12 hours to 2 days after infection. Foods incriminated include salads, raw vegetables, milk and dairy products, poultry and contaminated water.

Norwalk Virus

Norwalk Virus is an intestinal infection which occurs in outbreaks and is normally associated with shellfish. The virus is passed in the stool of infected persons and people get infected by swallowing stool-contaminated food or water. Other sources of infection include salads, eggs, ice and ready to eat foods. Norwalk is more common in adults and older children and symptoms normally appear within 10 days. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and stomach cramps.
Anyone can get Norwalk virus infection, but it may be more common in adults and older children. Illness normally lasts 24 to 60 hours.















Hell´s Kitchen

Food poisoning can be fatal

Food poisoning in the UK is increasing. The number of cases of Salmonella has remained high in the past few years, and Campylobacter cases have doubled.

Better training of food handlers needs to take place, and better care must be taken to ensure food is kept at the proper temperatures. Cross contamination is also a big problem which needs to be addressed.


Bacillus cereus

This is a spore forming bacteria which is often found in rice from take-away restaurants. Symptoms of Bacillus cereus include diarrhoea and abdominal cramps between 6-15 hours after consumption of contaminated food. Nausea may occur and symptoms usually last 24 hours.

Source of Bacillus cereus

You can contract the disease from meat, milk, vegetables and fish, but outbreaks have normally been associated with rice, potato, pasta and cheese products. Sauces, puddings, soups, casseroles, pastries and salads can also be contaminated.


Campylobacter

Campylobacter is a group of spiral-shaped bacteria that can cause disease in humans and animals. Most human illness is caused by Campylobacter jejuni. Birds carry this illness without becoming ill themselves. Proper cooking, milk
pasteurising and chlorination of water will all kill bacteria. This is the most common cause of acute bacterial diarrhoea in the UK. Symptoms include diarrhoea, cramping, abdominal pain and fever within 2-5 days after exposure, and can include nausea and vomiting.

Sources of Campylobacter

Raw or undercooked meat and poultry, offal, contaminated water or milk. Contamination is usually from excreta of birds, cattle and family pets. 40,000 cases are reported annually in the UK.

Clostridium perfringens

This is distributed throughout the environment and is normally found in human and animal intestines. The illness is caused by bacteria releasing toxins in the digestive canal. Symptoms include intense abdominal cramps and diarrhoea, and usually lasts less than 24 hours. It can last up to two weeks in severe cases. The illness can be mistaken with 24-hour flu.

Food sources

Meat, meat products and gravy are usually implicated with food poisoning caused by clostridium perfringens. The young and the elderly are most at risk.

Clostridium botulinum

Clostridium botulinum causes severe food poisoning, and is caused by the ingestion of foods containing the neurotoxin formed from bacteria. The illness is rare but can be fatal and can be destroyed by heating at 80ºC for at least 10 minutes. Symptoms can show up 4 hours to 8 days after ingestion, and include weakness, vertigo, double vision, difficulty in speaking, swallowing and breathing, muscle weakness and constipation. Paralysis and death can follow between 18 and 36 hours later if untreated.

Food source

Incriminated foods include: tinned or vacuum-packed food.

Cryptosporidium parvum

Members of this family are parasites from the intestinal tracts of fish, reptiles, birds and mammals. Cryptosporidium is passed in the faeces and is common in drinking water which originated from drainage of agricultural land. Symptoms usually include short term diarrhoea unless you suffer from a compromised immune system which can make the illness more severe.

Escherichia coli (E coli)

Normally found in animal and human intestines, E coli can be serious. One group of bacteria cause severe infantile diarrhoea and another cause traveller´s diarrhoea. Food sources include undercooked minced beef and unpasteurised milk. The elderly or very young can develop anaemia and renal failure. Symptoms include abdominal pain, fever, diarrhoea and vomiting and normally show between 10 and 72 hours after ingestion and last between 1 and 5 days.

Avoid E.coli

Ensure all meat is cooked thoroughly and juices run clear when spiked. Always avoid unpasteurised milk and separate raw and cooked foods to prevent cross contamination. Disinfect all surfaces and utensils used for food preparation. Wash hands regularly and always use a disinfectant hand wash.

Food source

Foods often incriminated include soft cheese, but the main contamination comes from food handlers.

Giardia lamblia

Giardia lamblia is a parasite which exists in two forms and lives in the small intestine, and is passed through faeces. Symptoms include severe diarrhoea from contaminated food or water.

Listeria monocytogenes

Listeria monocytogenes is a food-borne illness which is often transmitted to ready-to-eat foods, and is widely found in sewage and decaying vegetable matter. To avoid listeria always wash salads before use, never eat chilled products after the sell by date, and ensure your fridge is kept at the correct temperature. The onset of symptoms is normally 8 days to 3 months, and they include nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Meningitis and blood poisoning can occur in pregnant women. Antibiotic treatment is effective.

Food source

Foods known to cause listeria include: salads, sandwiches, paté, cooked meat and ready meals. Other suspected foods include milk, ice cream, raw and smoked fish and soft cheese.

Salmonella

Salmonella is found in animals, including poultry and pigs and environmental sources include water, soil, insects, kitchen surfaces, animal faeces, raw meats and raw seafood. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhoea, fever and headache and normally start 6 to 48 hours after infection.

Shigella

Shigella is found in the intestine of man and other animals, and is also known as bacillary dysentery. Symptoms include diarrhoea, fever, vomiting and abdominal pain and can start 12 hours to 2 days after infection. Foods incriminated include salads, raw vegetables, milk and dairy products, poultry and contaminated water.

Norwalk Virus

Norwalk Virus is an intestinal infection which occurs in outbreaks and is normally associated with shellfish. The virus is passed in the stool of infected persons and people get infected by swallowing stool-contaminated food or water. Other sources of infection include salads, eggs, ice and ready to eat foods. Norwalk is more common in adults and older children and symptoms normally appear within 10 days. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and stomach cramps.
Anyone can get Norwalk virus infection, but it may be more common in adults and older children. Illness normally lasts 24 to 60 hours.

10 ways to avoid 10 ways to avoid Salmonella food poisoning on holidayon holiday

Salmonella food poisoning can be one of the most severe forms of food poisoning you can suffer on holiday. Salmonella can strike you down at home or abroad, but can be particularly distressing if you are thousands of miles from home. Ten simple ways to help avoid salmonella food poisoning on holiday include:

For more information how to make a no win no fee no obligation compensation claim phone 08000 154321 or click here for http://www.yourholidayclaims.co.uk/

1. Wash your hands with hot water and soap after handling raw poultry or eggs.

2. If you are self-catering, keep raw meat and fish away from cooked foods in the fridge to avoid salmonella poisoning. Raw food should be stored on the bottom shelf of the fridge and well away from any cooked food or dairy products.

3. Never eat food in a holiday package hotel or on board a cruise ship that has been left out at room temperature for hours on end. All inclusive buffets are one of the main sources of food poisoning and salmonella on holiday.

4. Hot food needs to be piping hot and cold food needs to be properly chilled to prevent salmonella poisoning on holiday. If you think this is not the case in your holiday hotel or on board a cruise ship, refuse to eat the food to avoid salmonella poisoning and report it to the holiday representative.

5. If you are eating food on the beach or outdoors when the weather is hot, make sure it is kept properly chilled before you eat it. Salmonella can be caused by food being left in picnic bags in the back of a hot car, and then eaten. Take a cool box and only open it when you are ready to eat.

6. Food handlers should never handle money in between serving food, as bank notes are one of the biggest carriers of bacteria there is. If you suspect this is happening, report it to the hotel manager or the holiday representative.

7. Never eat from a salad bar if the food is not on ice, and avoid mayonnaise and salad dressing that has been left out at room temperature.

8. Only eat buffet spreads if the food is bought out fresh every so often, and not presented in large batches which can affect its temperature. Avoid salmonella poisoning and the spread of bacteria by making sure each dish has a separate clean serving spoon.

9. Avoid hotel barbecues if the food is not properly cooked and presented. Raw food should not be left uncovered before cooking, where it could be open to the elements and flies. Also, food needs to be thoroughly cooked before serving, which is not always easy to see if you are sitting outside in the evening. Hamburgers, sausages and poultry that is undercooked can cause salmonella food poisoning on holiday.

10. Clean plates and cutlery are a must in your holiday hotel, and food handlers must adhere to strict health and safety rules. More holidaymakers than ever are now suing tour operators who flout these rules. Tour operators who continue to send people to hotels and cruise ships which fail to meet even basic standards of health and safety are gambling with your health and well-being, and you could end up with salmonella food poisoning.

Massive payout for holiday honeymoon hell

A man who contracted a potentially fatal illness on his honeymoon was awarded nearly £300,000 compensation from a holiday company.

Julian Hurley, 50, from Doncaster, South Yorkshire, launched a claim against tour operator, First Choice, after he was diagnosed with a form of dysentery called
Shigella while on honeymoon in Venezuela in 2004.

For more information how to make a no win no fee no obligation compensation claim phone 08000 154321 or click here for http://www.yourholidayclaims.co.uk/


A poor standard of food was served during the all-inclusive holiday, and it was responsible for Mr Hurley´s illness, which he is still suffering symptoms of 5 years on. The tour operator admitted responsibility and paid Mr Hurley £286,500.Mr Hurley and his wife Jayne booked the package holiday with First Choice Holidays and Flights Limited to the Costa Caribe Hotel for their honeymoon.

The couple said Mr Hurley became ill after eating undercooked food at the all-inclusive resort but was unable to seek medical advice while abroad.

He was admitted immediately to Doncaster Royal Infirmary when he returned to the UK and was treated with intravenous drugs and antibiotics. Mr Hurley still suffers from irritable bowel syndrome, chronic fatigue and post-traumatic stress as a legacy of the Shigella infection.

The husband and wife described their experience as "hellish" and said the illness had not only impacted on their relationship but would affect Mr Hurley for the rest of his life.

Mr Hurley said: "When we went to the hotel restaurant I tried a variety of different dishes, which included cooked meats. The food was of an extremely poor standard, a lot of the dishes were undercooked and some of them were almost cold.

"The impact that this hellish holiday has had on our lives has been devastating. I now struggle to walk long distances and find myself getting tired easily. I am still suffering from symptoms to this day and will do for the rest of my life, which has been very difficult to come to terms with.

"I also had to reduce the number of hours I could go to work and, to this day, I have not returned to my pre-holiday working pattern. This has impacted on my relationship with my wife as, instead of me being the main breadwinner, she is. She now has to look after me, rather than the other way around."