A mother is advising parents to follow their instincts after her 10-year-old son fell critically ill following a family holiday. Caroline Lawton, a resident of Warrington, Cheshire, vacationed in Sharm El Sheikh with her spouse and two kids for a 12-night all-inclusive trip. Shortly before their return flight, her son Jude began experiencing gastrointestinal issues.
Initially, Caroline assumed Jude had contracted a typical vacation ailment known as ‘Egypt belly.’ She mentioned, “He had loose stools, which didn’t concern us much. We thought it was just a mild case of ‘Egypt belly’. However, as we prepared to leave, he started using the restroom more frequently and avoided swimming in the pool.”
Caroline’s worry heightened at the airport when Jude exhibited fatigue, reluctance to walk, and increased restroom visits. It was during the flight that she noticed blood in his stool, causing her distress. Jude became shaky and cold, prompting the flight crew to raise the aircraft temperature to warm him.
Upon landing in the UK, Jude’s condition worsened rapidly. He was hospitalized, isolated, and later diagnosed with STEC E.coli, a bacterial infection leading to bloody diarrhea, stomach cramps, and fever. The infection progressed to haemolytic uraemic syndrome, a potentially fatal complication affecting small blood vessels and potentially causing kidney failure.
Jude was transferred to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool, where he underwent dialysis and a blood transfusion due to kidney failure. Caroline recollected, “In the hospital, he swelled up, could barely open his eyes. The renal consultant informed us of his declining kidney function. He hadn’t urinated for 24 hours, which was alarming. Following surgery, he went straight into dialysis as his kidneys had failed completely.”
After a fortnight of treatment, Jude’s kidney function began to recover gradually, leading to his discharge for continued recovery at home. Due to potential long-term complications of E.coli, including high blood pressure and heart disease, Jude will undergo close monitoring for five years.
Caroline shared her experience to help other families recognize warning signs, emphasizing the importance of acting on gut feelings. She stressed the need for prompt medical attention if blood in stool, reduced urination, or swelling is observed in children.
During their holiday, Jude only dined outside the hotel once, booked through easyJet holidays. Despite contacting the holiday company and the hotel, the source of infection remains unknown. EasyJet is investigating the incident, offering support to the family.
An easyJet holidays representative expressed regret over Jude’s illness, confirming ongoing support for the family and collaboration with the hotel to investigate the incident.