Hundreds of British tourists hit by virus at Turkey seaside hotel
Thomas Cook has flown out hygiene experts from the UK to investigate the cause of the outbreak, which causes vomiting and diarrhoea
Hundreds of British holidaymakers have been struck down by a virus at a Turkish seaside hotel.
A baby and several adults required hospital treatment after the bug hit guests at the Sentido Perissia Hotel in Side.
Tour operator Thomas Cook said yesterday it was suspending bookings at the all-inclusive hotel for the next week and providing other accommodation for those due to stay there.
The company has also flown out hygiene experts from the UK to investigate the cause of the outbreak, which causes vomiting and diarrhoea.
Mum-of-three Zoe Williams, 32, spent over £4,000 for a one-week stay at the end of July with her family and is now taking legal action.
She said: “Both my mother and I were sick within days of arriving. The hygiene was just not up to scratch.
“Everyone we spoke to said someone in their party had been ill.”
More than 100 British guests met hotel reps on Tuesday to demand action over the virus, believed to have started several weeks ago.
The hotel has closed the main swimming pool and advised people to stay in their rooms.
Guests have posted warnings on holiday review website Trip Advisor and a Facebook page for those affected has been set up.
Rachel Naughton, from London, who set up the Facebook page and is still at the hotel, said four of her family of five had the bug.
She posted on the site: “This includes my five-month-old baby who was taken to hospital yesterday and confirmed to have a bacterial stomach infection.
“The hotel have covered cost of treatment, prescriptions and hospital visit.”
Travel lawyer Nick Harris is representing several people who have fallen ill at the resort.
He said: “They have told of widespread illness among hundreds of guests.”
Tour operator Thomas Cook said last night: “We can confirm that a number of customers at the Sentido Perissia, Turkey, have reported a stomach upset lasting 24-48 hours.
“Preliminary indications suggest that this is of a viral nature.
“We immediately arranged for an independent UK hygiene consultant to carry out a comprehensive review of the hotel.
“As a precautionary measure, new arrivals up to 28 August will have their holiday in alternative accommodation.
“We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused.”