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UK Tourists Died From E. Coli Exposure at a Hotel in Egypt

Caroline Schagrin
Caroline Schagrin
Contributor
Caroline graduated from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. She works on both the editorial and video team at TPG and is interested in people, places, culture, and of course, travel.
Sept. 13, 2018
•
2 min read
EGYPT-BRITAIN-TOURISM
UK Tourists Died From E. Coli Exposure at a Hotel in Egypt
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An English couple on vacation in Egypt died in August from illnesses linked to E. coli bacteria while staying at the Red Sea resort of Hurghada, Egypt's Prosecutor Nabil Sadek confirmed Wednesday.

On Aug. 21, John and Susan Cooper died within hours of each other after staying at the five-star Steigenberger Aqua Magic hotel, which they had booked through the travel agency Thomas Cook Group Plc. Following the Coopers' deaths, the travel company hired an independent hygiene specialist and air quality specialist to conduct a series of tests at the hotel. The group promptly flew out the remaining 300 guests who had booked stays through the agency after the food tests and hygiene standards revealed high levels of E. Coli and staphylococcus bacteria, Bloomberg reports.

Autopsy reports showed that John Cooper, 69, suffered acute intestinal dysentery caused by E. coli, and Susan Cooper, 64, suffered Hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS), likely because of E. coli, Sadek said in a statement.

The autopsies also showed "no criminal violence" was involved in the deaths, and other tests found no toxic gas emissions or leaks in the couple's room, the statement said. Additionally, air and water tests came back normal. An initial medical examination of John Cooper showed he had suffered acute circulatory collapse and a sudden cardiac arrest. Officials also said Susan Cooper was later rushed to hospital after fainting and underwent resuscitation attempts for 30 minutes before she died.

Thomas Cook noted Sadek's announcement but did not release an immediate comment. The agency said it had not seen the full report and needed time for its own experts to review it. The group said in a previous statement that it is putting together a compensation package for all customers who became ill while staying at the Steigenberger Aqua Magic Hotel in Hurghada during August.

Featured image by AFP/Getty Images

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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.

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  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
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  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.