Did you notice a smell of sewage around your hotel? A common cause of Clostridium Difficile outbreaks is when sewage water is sprayed around the hotel to fertilise the greenery.
These bacteria can be found in human and animal intestines as well as raw meat and poultry. It can also be found in soil, dust, root vegetables and dried powders such as spices. The bacteria can be spread very easily with infection often resulting in a lengthy recovery period, sometimes in quarantine. Spores of Clostridium difficile bacteria can be found in human faeces and can survive for weeks or even months on objects or surfaces.
When ingested, the bacteria will continue to multiply and produce toxins that cause the symptoms of illness. The bacteria can multiply rapidly in meat that has been cooked slowly or in meat that has been cooked and then stored at an ambient temperature.
Causes of Illness:
When ingested, the bacteria will continue to multiply and produce toxins that cause the symptoms of illness.
Symptoms of Clostridium Difficile can include:
- Severe abdominal cramps (described by many women as being as painful as childbirth)
- Severe diarrhoea
- Raised temperature of above 38°C
Less common symptoms of Clostridium Difficile can include:
- Severe swelling of the bowel due to a build-up of gas
- Dehydration
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
Source: These bacteria can be found in human and animal intestines as well as raw meat and poultry. It can also be found in soil, dust, root vegetables and dried powders such as spices. Casserole dishes can be a perfect breeding ground for this type of bacterium. Flies are also a common cause of contamination.
Onset of illness: 8 – 22 hours after contamination
Duration of illness: 1 – 2 weeks, often time in hospital followed by a long recovery.
Clostridium Difficile infections can usually be prevented by practicing good hygiene, such as washing hands regularly and cleaning surfaces using products containing bleach.
It is your tour operator’s responsibility to make sure you are provided with a safe, clean and hygienic hotel.
If you have fallen ill whilst on an all-inclusive holiday get in touch with a member of our team. We have over 10 years industry experience and we will be happy to help you through the process of claiming back the cost of your holiday plus any additional compensation you may be owed.
