Canadians Fall Ill at Mexico Resort: Food Poisoning Outbreak Sparks Investigation

Image credits: SIPSE

Canadians who recently traveled to Mexico are calling on local authorities to investigate after dozens of guests got sick at the all-inclusive beachside resort they stayed at. Winnipeg wedding photographer Joel Boily and another guest estimated that around 200 Canadian guests staying at Sandos Playacar — a four-star resort in Playa del Carmen, in the country's Caribbean coast — all suffered this past week from bouts of illness. Boily said that includes almost everyone of the more than 30 guests who were there to attend the wedding he was photographing, as well as his young children, who spent several days experiencing severe vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration.

The illness is believed to be due to food poisoning, with many guests reporting similar symptoms after consuming drinks and food provided by the hotel. A local doctor who was called in to attend someone in Boily's group told them he'd been to the resort several times and believed the water was contaminated. The Canadian tourists have made formal complaints with Mexico's health authorities as part of a campaign calling for a full inspection of the facilities. The resort has responded by suggesting that the illnesses may be related to a rise in gastrointestinal illnesses related to norovirus or seasonal flu in Canada and the U.S.

Other guests who spoke to CBC News also questioned the cleanliness of the resort's facilities, with some reporting that areas of the hotel, including tap and toilet water, smelled like sewage. The situation has sparked outrage among the Canadian tourists, who are calling for greater accountability from the resort and local authorities. Dr. Tim Sly, an epidemiologist and professor emeritus at Toronto Metropolitan University, said it's hard to diagnose a potentially foodborne illness without running tests or going through a list of what all of the guests ate. The incident highlights the risks of food-borne illnesses at all-inclusive resorts, where large numbers of people are eating together.

A timeline of events is as follows: * Dozens of Canadian tourists arrive at Sandos Playacar resort in Playa del Carmen, Mexico * Guests begin experiencing symptoms of illness, including vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration * A local doctor is called in to attend to the sick guests and suggests that the water may be contaminated * The Canadian tourists make formal complaints with Mexico's health authorities * The resort responds by suggesting that the illnesses may be related to a rise in gastrointestinal illnesses related to norovirus or seasonal flu in Canada and the U.S. * The Canadian tourists call for greater accountability from the resort and local authorities. Multiple stakeholder views include: * Joel Boily, Winnipeg wedding photographer: "We arrived on Wednesday and by Friday it was clear … it was more than just Montezuma's revenge or whatever people call it." * Victor Azevedo, uncle to the bride: "It destroyed the whole trip. My niece's wedding was postponed." * Dr. Tim Sly, epidemiologist and professor emeritus at Toronto Metropolitan University: "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."

Statistical data on the incident includes: * Over 200 Canadian guests reported symptoms of illness * 30 guests who were attending a wedding at the resort fell ill * Several guests were hospitalized, including a young boy who was treated for severe dehydration * The incident has sparked widespread outrage among Canadian tourists, with many calling for greater accountability from the resort and local authorities. Policy points to be considered include: * Improved food safety protocols at all-inclusive resorts * Greater transparency and accountability from resorts in the event of an outbreak * Enhanced support for guests who fall ill while traveling abroad.