Many cases of Salmonella food poisoning have been reported by holidaymakers returning from Mexico and most of the hotels mentioned are all inclusive resorts.

Salmonella is a bacterial infection which affects the stomach lining and the intestines and it is most commonly linked to food poisoning. Most foods can cause Salmonella food poisoning although poultry, eggs and undercooked meat are often the cause. Chickens are a major carrier of Salmonella bacteria and bacteria can be hard to spot.

If you suffer Salmonella food poisoning at an all inclusive hotel in Mexico, or elsewhere symptoms are likely to be diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach cramps and possibly headaches. Salmonella can affect all age groups but it is more likely to cause serious illness in young children, older people, and people with weakened immune systems. Dehydration causes more serious illness after suffering food poisoning and it is vital you drink plenty of fluids if you suffer prolonged bouts of sickness and diarrhoea.

Salmonella spreads quickly when large groups of people eat the same contaminated food in the same hotel restaurants or on board a cruise ship. Sufferers of Salmonella food poisoning may also experience blood in their faeces and, although most cases normally clear up within 3-4 days, severe illness can result if you are not treated quickly and correctly. Seek medical advice from a doctor in your resort and also make an appointment to see your GP when you return home from Mexico.

If you suffer food poisoning in Mexico less serious symptoms may include diarrhoea two or three times a day for a couple of days which should clear up within 3-4 days. Always seek medical advice when you suffer any type of illness abroad, drink plenty of fluids and rest as much as possible. Serious Salmonella food poisoning in Mexico can cause excessive diarrhoea, stomach cramps and general health problems and you may be prescribed antibiotics or intravenous drip treatment if this occurs.

If diarrhoea continues for more than 24 hours and it is frequent and intense or if you have a fever of 38ºC or over, you should seek medical advice. Any discolouration of the skin could indicate liver problems and, although most cases of food poisoning pass naturally, you should always seek medical help as soon as the symptoms start.

Dehydration can cause serious illness and it is vital you drink plenty of clean water to help keep yourself hydrated. Frequent diarrhoea and vomiting may drain bodily fluids, salts and minerals and dehydration will occur when the patient loses more liquid than they can take in. This can prove particularly dangerous in babies and the elderly. Typical signs of dehydration include: a dry tongue, dry, chapped skin, dark urine, increased thirst, lack of urine output and general weakness and fatigue.

Once you return to the UK, seek the advice of a personal injury solicitor who works on a no win, no fee basis and one who has experience of claiming compensation for holiday illness. It is worth remembering that tour operators earn millions of pounds each year from holidaymakers and, if your holiday is ruined by their negligence, you should claim the compensation you deserve when you get back to the UK. Never accept offers of compensation from the tour operator as you could be entitled to much more with the help of a personal injury solicitor.