What should have been a relaxing family vacation turned into a tragic one when two-year-old Chloe Crook developed severe food poisoning at Egypt’s five-star Jaz Aquaviva resort, leading to multiple life-threatening complications including blood clots and kidney failure, according to the Mirror. The incident, which occurred at the resort in July, has left the toddler traumatized and facing ongoing medical challenges.
Days after she and her family arrived at the all-inclusive resort, Chloe began showing severe symptoms including bloody diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach cramps. Her condition rapidly deteriorated, resulting in temporary blindness and loss of speech. The situation became critical when bruising appeared under the skin on her head, and tests revealed her kidneys were failing, necessitating emergency dialysis.
Doctors diagnosed Chloe with Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), a potentially fatal blood condition linked to E. coli bacteria that can cause brain damage. Upon returning to the UK, her condition worsened, requiring doctors to place her in an induced coma for four days. She subsequently developed pneumonia and blood clots in her neck and arm.
According to Chloe’s mother Megan, the ordeal has dramatically changed her daughter’s personality. Once outgoing and sociable, the toddler now struggles with interactions outside her immediate family and experiences frequent nightmares about her hospitalization, “waking up screaming and shouting ‘no’ repeatedly”, Megan explained, describing how her formerly social child now shies away from others.
The family has criticized the standard of care received in Egypt, where Chloe was initially only given paracetamol for pain relief and diagnosed with gastroenteritis. “We had to push for more tests as we knew something was very wrong,” Megan said, describing their feelings of helplessness during the ordeal.
The family, including father Alex, has now engaged legal firm Irwin Mitchell to investigate the incident. Jennifer Hodgson, their attorney, stressed the serious nature of E. coli infections and their potential for long-term health complications.
A widespread E. coli outbreak at fast-food chain McDonald’s, caused by fresh, slivered onions, has featured heavily in the news in recent weeks. As of November 13, four people have developed HUS in connection with the incident.
Food Poisoning News has also covered similar incidents of food poisoning at all-inclusive resorts. In October, it was reported that a large number of British vacationers were pursuing legal action following severe bouts of food poisoning at various hotels in West Africa.
Nearly four months after the vacation, Chloe continues to require multiple medications, including anti-seizure medication and blood thinners. Her condition will require ongoing monitoring, with annual kidney function check-ups necessary for the foreseeable future.
Commenting on this article, one national E. coli lawyer said, “This story is especially tragic as it involves the illness of a two-year-old girl. E. coli infections that develop into hemolytic uremic syndrome, while rare, can be very dangerous and can sometimes lead to death.”
