A Life Changing Chicken Salad- the effects of Gastric illness
A Life Changing Chicken Salad- the effects of Gastric illness
A recent article I have come across highlights the very real and serious effects food poisoning can cause.
The article in question concerned a young girl, Chloe Rodgerson who consumed a chicken salad purchased from a big-name retailer.
It turned out that the chicken used in the salad was contaminated with E.coli. Chloe, along with ten members of her friends and family, all consumed the salad and subsequently became unwell suffering from stomach cramps, and diarrhoea. Whilst Chloe’s friends and family suffered temporary symptoms, Chloe required admission to hospital and continues to suffer the effects to this day.
Through further investigations by the relevant food safety body It was discovered that a further nineteen people had also been struck down with E.coli from chicken salad brought from the same retailer and astonishingly five of those were hospitalised.
Chloe went on to develop Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a complication linked to the contraction of E.coli which affects vital organs like the brain and kidneys. Chloe has had her large intestine removed, undergo multiple surgeries including kidney transplant as a result of life-threatening kidney failure and battle constant infections due to a severely compromised immune system.
Chloe was on her way to becoming a Broadway actress but as a result of the illness she has had to give up on her dream, being unable to carry out full-time work for the rest of her life.
Whilst Chloe’s case is extreme, it highlights the drastic consequences of what initially may have been considered a ‘dicky tummy’ or ‘travellers’ diarrhoea’.
Food poisoning is an illness caused by eating contaminated food. It’s not usually serious and most people get better within a few days without treatment. Should you find yourself suffering from gastric symptoms such as diarrhoea, vomiting and stomach cramps, and you believe this has been caused by food you have eaten, it is imperative that you visit your GP if your symptoms have not resolved after a few days. Your GP should be able to determine the cause of your illness and rule out any bacterial infection which may require stool samples.
Surprisingly, when Tour Operators receive notification of gastric illness believed to have been contracted in one of their hotels, their most common defence is the person is suffering from no more than ‘travellers’ diarrhoea’. It has actually been found however that E.coli is the commonest cause of ‘travellers’ diarrhoea’ in cases of gastric illness abroad. As in Chloe’s case, if symptoms have not resolved after a few days, do not ignore them or dismiss it as a “trivial” illness, seek medical attention immediately.
If you have recently stayed in a hotel as part of an all- inclusive package holiday, and have become unwell as a result of something you have eaten and your symptoms have not resolved you may be able to pursue the hotel in which you stayed for losses you incur as result.
Cromptons Solicitors offers FREE legal advice and our Travel Litigation team can help you should you need to pursue a claim. Our friendly team will guide you through the whole process. You can contact us on 01204 589009 or visit our website: www.cromptonssolicitors.co.uk
Cromptons Solicitors is accredited by the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers