Dozens of Canadian tourists experienced a severe health crisis at the Sandos Playacar Resort in Mexico, prompting urgent calls for an investigation into the facility's conditions. The outbreak affected a diverse group of guests, including a 1-year-old child, a 10-year-old boy, and a pregnant woman. Suffering from symptoms such as severe vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration, the guests were left grappling with an unexpected nightmare during what was meant to be a relaxing vacation.
A party of 55 individuals, including a wedding party and their guests, reported that 52 members fell ill during their stay. One child, aged 10, required an overnight stay in a nearby private hospital, while another 2-year-old spent 20 hours in medical care before being discharged. A local doctor, called to attend to the group, suggested that contaminated water might be the cause of the outbreak.
Martha Scott, one of the affected guests, described the resort as "a very unhygienic, poorly-maintained resort," further emphasizing concerns about the facility's conditions. Some areas of the resort reportedly emitted a sewage-like smell from tap and toilet water, adding to the distress of the guests.
"It was just a very unhygienic, poorly-maintained resort," – Martha Scott
In response to these claims, a representative for Sandos Hotel & Resorts indicated that the illnesses might be linked to a rise in gastrointestinal illnesses related to norovirus or seasonal flu in Canada and the U.S., suggesting that the issue is not exclusive to their establishment. The resort also pointed out that similar problems have been reported in other areas nearby.
"We've seen the outbreaks of almost all these foodborne diseases at resorts all over the world because when you get large numbers of people eating together … that's when the mistakes happen," – Sly
The Canadian government has been contacted for comment on this matter, as have local government authorities in Mexico. Meanwhile, a group of Canadian tourists has lodged formal complaints with Mexico's health authorities, seeking accountability and action. The situation has cast a shadow over the vacations of many Canadians who had saved up for what they hoped would be an enjoyable getaway.
"It's a health concern, but I also feel very sad for Canadians who spend all this time saving money for one week of vacation, and they're going to go there and it's going to be a nightmare," – Martha Scott
Victor Azevedo, another affected guest, expressed deep disappointment after his niece’s wedding had to be postponed due to the outbreak. His pregnant relative was among those severely affected, raising further concerns over the potential risks faced by vulnerable individuals.
"It destroyed the whole trip. My niece's wedding was postponed," – Victor Azevedo
"She's three months pregnant. Very dangerous.… Nobody helped us with anything." – Victor Azevedo
Guests expressed frustration over the lack of acknowledgment or support from the resort's management during this crisis. Boily, another member of the affected party, noted that even a small gesture of acknowledgment or assistance from the resort could have made a significant difference in their experience.
"If they would have done … even the smallest effort to acknowledge that, 'Yes, you're not having the time that we hoped you would have, and here's some solutions,' I probably would have dropped it," – Boily
