A man says he almost died after contracting a rare disease from a “dirty” four-star hotel while on holiday in Turkey. Father of two, Richard Moore, 55, began suffering from a fever and chest pains after returning from a five-day holiday with his partner Julie, 50.
The chef became so ill he was rushed to hospital and placed in an induced coma, with doctors telling his wife and children he may not survive. Doctors confirmed he was suffering from potentially deadly Legionnaires’ disease and he needed five days of hospital treatment, antibiotics and an IV drip.
Legionnaires’ disease is a lung infection caused by breathing in droplets of water from sources such as air conditioning or hot tubs. It is uncommon but can be very serious, according to the NHS.
Richard, of Blyth, Northumberland, said: “This holiday was meant to be a short break before I started a new job as an executive chef. Instead, it cost me my dream job, my health and very nearly my life.”
He said that as a result of memory loss, he can’t recall much of his time in hospital, but when he was admitted, he remembers the fear and not knowing what was wrong.
Richard said: “I’m lucky to be alive, but it’s so upsetting to think my family were told I might not live. I never realised Legionnaires’ disease was so serious and I want to tell my story to make other people aware of the symptoms and the dangers.
“I wouldn’t want to think that other people were going off on a holiday unaware of what they could be walking into.”
He said if there were any issues with the hotel, then they needed to be looked at urgently, adding: “I feel fortunate to have pulled through. However, I do worry that someone else might not be as lucky as I was.”
Richard and his family paid £2,000 to stay at the four-star Champion Holiday Village in Kemer.
After arriving at the hotel on August 18 last year, Richard said he thought the hotel was dirty, old and dated.
He also noticed the room felt damp and had a grim fusty smell. He said: “I can’t specifically pinpoint to one thing but the water temperature fluctuated a lot in the shower.
“The bathroom and hotel generally looked run down and the sofa in the hotel room beneath the air con felt damp throughout the holiday which made me think it was leaking.”
Days after returning to the UK, Richard began suffering from flu-like symptoms.
On August 30, he was admitted to the hospital after developing chest pains, shortness of breath and a fever. He spent a month in hospital and has been unable to start his new job as an executive chef.
Richard still continues to struggle with lethargy, weakness and mobility issues linked to Legionnaires’ disease. He has now instructed travel illness lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate the cause of his Legionnaires’ disease.
Jennifer Hodgson, representing Richard, said: “Richard’s first-hand account of his experience at the hotel and contracting his illness is deeply disturbing.
“Legionnaires’ disease is an incredibly serious condition, and it can take several days from coming into contact with Legionella bacteria before symptoms of the illness start to appear.
“As Richard has since discovered, the effects of the disease can be long-term. Nothing can make up for the impact the illness has had and continues to have on Richard, but we’re determined to provide him with the answers and specialist support he deserves.”
She said public buildings, such as hotels and offices, can have complex water systems, so it’s vital all precautions are taken to prevent the bacteria which causes Legionnaires’ disease developing.
Ms Hodgson added: “As part of our work and to assist with our investigations, we would be keen to hear from anyone else who may also have been affected by illness whilst staying at the Champion Holiday Village Hotel, Turkey.”