Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
E.COLI IS FOUND AT EGYPT DEATH HOTEL
Tests uncover high bacteria levels
THE hotel where two British tourists died was contaminated with E.coli, food and hygiene tests show.
The results also uncovered high levels of staphylococcus. Both bacteria can cause food poisoning.
John Cooper, 69, and wife Susan, 63, died at the Steigenberger Aqua Magic Hotel in Hurghada, Egypt, last month.
Travel firm Thomas Cook commissioned independent tests after evacuating some 300 guests from the hotel.
A spokesman said yesterday: “It’s clear from results that something went wrong in August... and standards fell below what we expect from our hotel partners.
“It is likely the presence of E.coli and staphylococcus would explain the raised level of illness reported among guests during this time.” Though the firm said tests failed to shed light on the deaths.
Tests, covering pools, air and food, found normal carbon dioxide levels in the vicinity of the Coopers’ room and no evidence of carbon monoxide. Specialists could not access the room itself.
It remains under the control of Egypt’s authorities due to their probe. Daughter Kelly Ormerod, 40, feared a cover-up. She said: “They’re obviously aware this is going to have a knock-on effect on their tourism industry, so whether they are going to tell the truth... I don’t know.” Steigenberger Hotels paid tribute to the Coopers, of Burnley, Lancs, and said: “We have taken note of the interim results published by our partner Thomas Cook, which matches with our independent investigations concerning the good results of water and air quality. “Our high standards in terms of hygiene are not negotiable and of course apply also to all of our franchise hotels as well.
“We are constantly monitoring the quality by outside contractors.”