Two-year-old dies of bacterial infection after holiday in Turkey

She was diagnosed with Shiga-Toxin producing E.Coli (STEC) on 2 August and died the following day after developing Haemolytic Uraemic Syndrome (HUS) which is a known complication of STEC. HUS is a serious and potentially fatal condition that affects the blood and blood vessels, resulting in the destruction of blood platelets. It can also cause kidney failure and brain damage.

Following Allie’s death, her distraught mum Katie has instructed Irwin Mitchell’s expert international serious injury team to investigate whether Allie’s illness was linked to her stay at the Turkish resort.

The firm has vast experience of dealing with cases relating to serious illnesses such as E.coli in the UK and abroad, including representing almost 50 holidaymakers following an alleged outbreak of E.coli at the Steigenberger Aqua Magic Hotel in Egypt last year, and successfully concluding a 6-figure claim for a young boy in 2016 who also tested positive for E.Coli after he developed similar symptoms to Allie.

Katie told her legal team that the family were aware of several other holidaymakers who were also ill with similar symptoms. Public Health England is currently investigating the matter, and an inquest has been opened to examine the circumstances surrounding Allie’s death.

Allie and her family travelled to Turkey with tour operator Jet2 Holidays on 12 July. During the course of the holiday, all members of the family suffered from gastric symptoms including stomach cramps and diarrhoea.

Allie first began to show signs of being unwell on 27 July with symptoms of stomach cramps, diarrhoea, loss of appetite and lethargy. Allie’s condition worsened and blood was found in her stools.

Allie was seen by an out-of-hours GP, but as she got worse she was admitted to Royal Bolton Hospital where various tests were carried out. It was confirmed that Allie had contracted STEC and this also led to her developing HUS.

Allie was moved to the Manchester Royal Infirmary and put in an induced coma on 1 August. An MRI scan was carried out, which revealed that she had sustained severe brain trauma and damage. Katie had to make the difficult decision to terminate Allie’s life support following the advice from doctors.

Allie sadly passed away on 3 August.

Katie, a self-employed window cleaner, said: “Allie was such a beautiful, happy girl and we are all utterly heartbroken. We still can’t believe she is gone.

“Allie was an intelligent, beautiful and independent little lady. She was always giving kisses and cuddles at home, and always wanted to be sat on someone’s knee or to be picked up and carried around.

“There is now a massive hole in our home and our hearts. We all miss her dearly. She should not have died. She had so much to give."

A spokesperson from Jet2 Holidays said: “We are very sorry to hear about these tragic circumstances, and we would like to offer our heartfelt condolences to Ms. Dawson and her family at this very difficult time. As lawyers have been instructed, it would be inappropriate for us to make any further comment.”