Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 08:30 - 19:00 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
Coronavirus FAQs
Questions about Coronavirus? Click here for more information. Please note that due to exceptional circumstances our opening hours are currently 09:00 to 17:30 Monday to Friday. We apologise for any inconvenience.
01 June 2011 09:27
British health workers are being urged to look out for signs of serious illness linked to E.coli
British health workers are being urged to watch out for signs of serious illness associated with E.coli in people returning from Germany.
Travellers to Germany have been warned to avoid consuming raw tomatoes, cucumbers and lettuce during their visit as they are believed to be a possible source of infection.
Anyone returning to the UK with bloody diarrhoea must also seek urgent medical attention.
So far there have been two instances of German citizens in England with symptoms that suggest they may have fallen victim to the bug.
Germany is currently gripped by a large outbreak of haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) - a serious complication of verocytotoxin-producing E. coli (VTEC) infection.
The strain of VTEC suspected in the outbreak is O104 - a strain rarely seen in Britain.
As HUS affects the blood, kidneys and even the central nervous system, and in severe cases victims are required to undergo hospital treatment.
This highlights the need for adequate medical travel insurance that covers medical expenses incurred due to injuries and illness while abroad.
Nearly 214 cases have been reported in Germany since mid-May.
The UK Health Protection Agency (HPA) has said the outbreak is mainly affecting adults - almost 70% of whom are women.
Dr Dilys Morgan, head of the gastrointestinal, emerging and zoonotic infections department at the HPA, said: "The HPA is actively monitoring the situation very carefully and liaising with the authorities in Germany, the European Centre for Disease Control (ECDC) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) as to the cause of the outbreak.
"We are keeping a close watch for potential cases reported in England and are working with colleagues in the devolved administrations to recommend they do the same."
09 March 2020
Move over hot cross buns and chocolate eggs, there's a whole world of Easter treats out there. Here are some alternative Easter foods from around the world.
[more...]
Forget egg hunts and bunnies, Easter's done a little bit differently in these corners of the world. Here five alternative Easter celebrations.
28 February 2020
Keep your carbon footprint in check and travel green with our eco-friendly travel tips.
25 February 2020
For true carefree travel, decide on a destination that's kinder to the planet...
20 February 2020
Travel into the future and not just through time-zones, with destinations shaping urban living.
National Anthem Day falls on the 3rd March, so what better excuse is there to delve into into the world of music and motherland?
Discover five alternative places to get down on one knee this leap year.
Two-wheels are better than none. Check out our favourite cities best explored from a saddle.
04 February 2020
Make your phone the perfect travel companion for the new year...
Bohemian boulevards and ornate opera houses await away from the Six Nations action.
Kite Flying Day falls on 8th February. What better time is there to plan your next trip through the skies?
10 February 2020
With Ferris Wheel Day on 14th February, there's never been a better excuse to enjoy a foreign skyline.