Hotel removed from sale as Legionnaires' precaution

The Greek hotel where a holidaymaker who contracted Legionnaires' disease was staying has been temporarily removed from sale, the BBC understands.

Donna Jobling, from Hull, caught the lung disease during an all-inclusive holiday in Crete and is in intensive care.

The family of the 57-year-old, who was travelling with easyJet Holidays, were being supported by the holiday operator.

"As soon as we were made aware of reports of illness, we contacted customers who were already staying in the hotel, or due to travel in the next four weeks, to provide alternative options," a spokesperson said.

The hotel has not been officially named but it was understood officials were working with local health authorities on the island.

While it was not confirmed that the hotel was the source of the infection, easyJet said as a precaution customers were moved out and have been provided alternative hotel accommodation.

Ms Jobling developed a chest infection on 5 June which triggered acute respiratory failure and pneumonia.

She was taken to an intensive care unit at Venizeleio Hospital in Heraklion six days later according to her family.

Legionnaires' disease is a serious lung infection transmitted by inhaling droplets of infected water.

It is not usually contracted by drinking contaminated water and people can become infected when taking a shower, flushing a toilet or from an air conditioning system.

Initial symptoms can be confused with influenza and, according to the NHS, include a cough, shortness of breath, chest pains and a high temperature.

Those who catch Legionnaires' disease are treated with antibiotics.

Most make a full recovery but it can take weeks for people to get back to normal.

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