Holidaymakers instruct lawyers to investigate illnesses as UK Health and Safety Agency confirm cryptosporidium cases at Fergus Club Europa in Majorca

The UK’s Health and Safety Agency (UKHSA), formerly Public Health England, has confirmed that a number of guests staying at the Fergus Club Europa resort in Majorca were subjected to parasitic infections from the sickness bug, cryptosporidium, in the summer season of 2023.

The infection, which can be contracted from dirty swimming pools is often caused as a result of hotels not enforcing rigorous policies and/or poor water maintenance. The infection is usually contracted through the ingestion of faecal matter commonly found in swimming pool water.

International serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell have been instructed by a growing group of holidaymakers who stayed at the complex on various dates in September and October 2023.

Claims can be made against UK tour operators pursuant to the 2018 Package Travel and Linked Travel Regulations if any of the travel services are not performed in accordance with the travel contract. 

Legal expert’s reaction as holidaymakers to resort report illness

Subjecting holidaymakers to swimming pools contaminated with parasites or other micro-organisms , especially in the Balearic Islands as is the case here, is likely to constitute a lack of conformity of the holiday contract resulting in justifiable compensation claims due to the principle of strict liability in local regulations.

Cryptosporidium can be spread amongst holidaymakers  or directly from animals. Milk, water, and food can be implicated but it can easily be contracted from dirty swimming pools. The main symptoms are vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and fever which last for about 10 days.

Holidaymakers who are ill can claim compensation for the illness, the ruined holiday and loss of enjoyment. Unfortunately, this parasite can have debilitating circumstances for the most vulnerable such as children and the elderly.

We've heard worrying first-hand accounts from holidaymakers to the resort who have reported falling ill. These reports are now being investigated so people can be provided with the answers they deserve.

Where any illness outbreak occurs it’s vital that a thorough investigation is carried out to trace the source and appropriate measures are taken to prevent others falling ill.

UK Health and Safety Agency confirm illness cases among holidaymakers

The data provided by the UKHSA followed a recent freedom of information request by Irwin Mitchell. The UKHSA confirmed it had been notified of cases in August and October. This suggests that our clients may not be the only ones affected by illness.

The Fergus Club Europa, which is in Peguera, is very popular amongst UK travellers. The four-star, all inclusive, complex operates three outdoor pools including a freshwater pool with slides and a children’s section.

Reviews on TripAdvisor also suggest holidaymakers may have contracted the illness bug whilst staying at the Fergus Club Europa at the beginning of August 2023. 

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell’s expertise in supporting people struck down by illness on holiday at our dedicated illness abroad section.