A British family is sharing their harrowing experience after their 10-year-old son developed severe E.Coli poisoning during a holiday in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, which led to kidney failure and a life-threatening condition.

Caroline Lawton, from Warrington, Cheshire, was on a 12-night package holiday with her husband and children when her son, Jude, began experiencing an upset stomach the day before their scheduled flight home. Initially, Lawton believed he had contracted 'Egypt belly,' a common ailment associated with consuming contaminated food or water abroad.

However, Jude's condition rapidly worsened. He began passing blood in his stools, prompting Lawton to seek immediate medical attention. Upon admission to a hospital and placed in a seclusion room, Jude tested positive for STEC E.coli, a bacterial infection known to cause bloody diarrhea, stomach cramps, and fever.

Doctors later confirmed that Jude's infection had progressed to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a severe complication of E.Coli that can damage small blood vessels, leading to kidney failure and potentially other organ damage. The condition can be fatal if not treated promptly.

Jude was transferred to Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool, where he underwent dialysis treatment and a blood transfusion to support his failing kidneys. After two weeks of intensive care, his kidney function began to show signs of improvement, and he was eventually discharged to continue his recovery at home.

Lawton stated that Jude had eaten outside the hotel only once during their stay. She recounted noticing his fatigue and increased toilet use at the airport, with her concern escalating on the plane when she observed fresh blood in his stool. She described him shivering and feeling cold, and later swelling and puffiness upon arrival at the hospital.

"The renal consultant came to chat to us and this is when we began to realise the severity of the situation that his kidney function was quickly declining," Lawton said. "At this point he hadn't had a wee for 24 hours. It was so scary and at this point he still hadn't eaten anything."

Following dialysis, Jude's condition gradually improved, and doctors noted his kidneys were beginning to function again. He continues to be monitored closely for the next five years due to the potential long-term effects of HUS, which can increase the risk of chronic high blood pressure and heart attacks.

Lawton has since contacted EasyJet and the hotel where they stayed to report the incident. She mentioned that the World Health Organization (WHO) has also been in touch to investigate. An easyJet holidays spokesperson confirmed they are in contact with the family and are conducting a thorough investigation with their hotel partner.