Holidaymakers sue Thomas Cook after contracting stomach parasite at hotel where staff were seen 'fishing faeces out of the pool'

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A group of holidaymakers are suing Thomas Cook after they suffered diarrhoea and stomach cramps following a stay at a Greek island resort.

One of the families, who stayed at Marelen Hotel on Zante in August, claimed that they saw staff fishing out faecal matter from the swimming pool before disinfecting it - all while the guests were still in the water.

Several of those filing the suit have allegedly been diagnosed as having contracted Cryptosporidium, a parasite that causes gastric illnesses, since staying at the hotel.

The holidaymakers all stayed at Marelen Hotel (pictured) on Zante after booking their trip through Thomas Cook

A total of 17 people are currently involved in the lawsuit and are represented by personal injury lawyers Irwin Mitchell.

The Cowley family from Kettering, Northamptonshire, are among those involved in the suit.

Rosanna Cowley, her partner and her children Joshua and Ellie booked an all-inclusive stay at the hotel in August this year through Thomas Cook. 

The 27-year-old mother said that she watched as staff fished faeces from the pool as guests were swimming nearby.

Staff then allegedly treated the water while guests continued to use the pool.

Ms Cowley says that she doesn't believe the pool was drained for deep cleaning after the incident. 

The Cowley family (pictured) stayed there in August and all four returned with Cryptosporidium

After returning to the UK, all four members of the family were diagnosed with Cryptosporidium, which had caused them to have symptoms including painful stomach cramps, vomiting and diarrhoea. 

Ms Cowley said: 'It was hideous. We had all swam in that pool. As soon as I started feeling unwell I just knew it was bad. And then one-by-one we all came down with it.

'When I got back to the UK I went to see my doctor and was soon told I had Cryptosporidium. 

'We were visited by Environmental Health officers and the whole thing was really distressing, especially for Ellie who is too young to understand what was going on.'

She added: 'When you pay to go on holiday with a company like Thomas Cook, you do not expect to have to worry about basic hygiene standards.

'After what we have been through I would hate to think of anyone else suffering in the same way.'

The Cowley family says that they've still not fully recovered from the ordeal, which has left them feeling weakened and lethargic.

Ms Cowley said that she watched as staff fished faeces from the pool (pictured) as guests were swimming nearby

Her legal firm, Irwin Mitchell, has received reports from other guests at the hotel who claimed that the side of the pool was scrubbed with a nail brush, which was then rinsed in the pool water.

Jatinder Paul, who is representing the families, said: 'Cryptosporidium can have serious health implications for those affected and in our work we have seen first-hand the long-term issues that it can cause, from which some victims may never fully recover.

'It is deeply concerning to have had this number of people fall ill at the same hotel at the same time – especially children – the youngest of which was just one years old.

'We would encourage anyone who has stayed at Marelen Hotel and has since experienced gastric symptoms to see their GP at the earliest available opportunity. We would also like to speak with them as they may be able to help our investigations.

'There also needs to be a clear understanding by Thomas Cook as to why this has happened and reassurances that steps are being taken to try and prevent the same thing happening again.'

A spokesperson for Thomas Cook said: 'We know how important holidays are and we work hard to make sure that all of our customers enjoy their time away, so we were concerned to hear of this unusual case. 

'When we receive information directly on these reports we will investigate thoroughly.' 

MailOnline Travel has contacted Marelen Hotel, Zante, for comment.