Boy, 10, left fighting for life after holiday bug causes kidney failure
A ten-year-old boy from Warrington spent two weeks in hospital after contracting a severe strain of E. coli on a family holiday to Egypt, leaving his kidneys completely shut down. The case has sparked an investigation by the World Health Organisation, as concerns grow over food safety standards in popular British holiday destinations.
Jude Lawton was on an easyJet all-inclusive package holiday in Sharm El Sheikh with his parents, sister, and four other relatives when what his mother initially dismissed as 'Egypt belly' turned into a life-threatening medical emergency. The boy began suffering from diarrhoea and vomiting the day before the family was due to fly home on June 7. On the flight, his mother Caroline noticed fresh blood in his stool and he started shaking uncontrollably, forcing cabin crew to raise the temperature on the entire aircraft.
How a simple stomach bug became a kidney crisis
Upon returning to Britain, Jude was rushed to his GP and then admitted to hospital, where tests confirmed he had contracted STEC E. coli, a bacterial infection that causes bloody diarrhoea, stomach cramps, and fever. The infection quickly developed into haemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a potentially fatal condition that attacks the kidneys. Doctors at Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool told the family that Jude's kidneys had completely failed. He underwent dialysis and a blood transfusion to try to restart the organs.
For two weeks, the boy remained in hospital, swelling up so badly that he could not open his eyes properly. His mother described the ordeal as 'absolutely terrifying', saying she feared she might lose her son. 'He hadn't had a wee for 24 hours,' she said. 'As soon as he woke up from surgery, he was wheeled straight into dialysis.'
WHO investigates as easyJet pledges cooperation
Caroline Lawton has since contacted easyJet and the hotel where the family stayed, but claims she has yet to hear back from the hotel. However, easyJet has confirmed it is working with its hotel partner to carry out a thorough investigation, and the World Health Organisation has also been in touch with the family. An easyJet holidays spokesperson said: 'We're really sorry that Jude has been unwell. We have been in regular contact with Jude's family and are continuing to offer them any support and assistance they need.'
The WHO has been contacted for comment but has not yet responded publicly. The case raises uncomfortable questions about the safety of all-inclusive holidays in Egypt, a destination that remains popular with British families despite repeated warnings about food hygiene.
What are the long-term risks for children with HUS?
Jude was discharged on July 6, but his recovery is far from complete. He will be closely monitored for the next five years to check for lasting kidney damage. His mother is now speaking out to warn other families: 'If you notice blood in a stool, or they stop passing urine, or start swelling in their ankles or eyes, get it checked out immediately. I wanted to spread awareness to stop any other families going through this.'
The case is a stark reminder that even a seemingly minor holiday bug can have devastating consequences. For British families planning trips abroad, it underscores the importance of vigilance when it comes to food and water safety in foreign countries.
Photo: Manchester Evening News