A Troubling Trend: Canadian Travelers' Health Woes in Mexico
A disturbing pattern has emerged, leaving many Canadians with a bitter taste of their Mexican vacations.
Dozens of Canadians who recently returned from a Mexican resort are sharing horror stories of severe gastrointestinal distress, with some even requiring hospitalization. The culprit? What appears to be a widespread foodborne illness outbreak.
Kelly Bennett, a Canadian traveler from Hamilton, described her family's experience at the Royalton Splash Riviera in Cancun. After a few enjoyable days, her group started falling ill, one after another. "It was like a domino effect," she said. "We saw families confined to their rooms, and the hallways were filled with signs of illness—towels, and parents tending to sick children."
The children in her group were bedridden, and several adults couldn't leave the bathroom. Upon their return to Canada, they received a diagnosis of norovirus, a highly contagious virus causing vomiting and diarrhea. Their doctor also identified foodborne parasites as a contributing factor.
"My son is still suffering," Bennett shared. "He has parasites in his stool, and we've had to provide numerous stool samples."
But here's where it gets controversial... One member of Bennett's group was asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement, suggesting a potential cover-up attempt by the resort.
Warren Carriere and his girlfriend, Nicole, faced a similar ordeal. Nicole was hospitalized for several days after their return to Vancouver Island. "It was a nightmare," Carriere said. "All the symptoms pointed to a food-related illness—vomiting, diarrhea, severe cramping, and stomach pain."
Carriere's girlfriend tested positive for E. coli, a bacteria often linked to gastrointestinal issues and food recalls in Canada.
A Facebook group for travelers to this resort is now flooded with similar stories of illness, with many reporting symptoms upon arrival in February.
The resort has not responded to CTV News' requests for comment.
Wayne Smith, from Toronto Metropolitan University's Institute for Hospitality and Tourism, believes the tensions between Cuba and the United States are redirecting travelers to Mexico. "Last year, we saw a significant increase in Canadian travelers to Mexico, and this trend continues into January and February. This type of news is the last thing they want," Smith explained.
Regarding the non-disclosure agreements, Smith doubts their enforceability, suggesting that individuals under medical duress may not have signed them willingly.
"No court would enforce such an agreement," he added, emphasizing the importance of proper medical insurance, including CFAR (Cancel for Any Reason) coverage, when traveling.
Dr. Isaac Bogoch, an infectious diseases specialist, confirms that these outbreaks are not uncommon. He advises Canadians to exercise caution and not assume the same food safety standards in Mexico as they would in Canada.
"Our adage is simple: boil it, peel it, cook it, or forget it. Fresh produce in Mexico may carry bacteria or viruses that can cause gastrointestinal symptoms," he warned.
Bennett noticed a change in the resort's staff behavior towards the end of their stay, suggesting they were aware of the issue. "Staff now greet guests with hand sanitizer upon entering buffets and restaurants, and some even wear masks," she observed.
As this story unfolds, it raises important questions about traveler safety and the responsibilities of resorts and travel agencies. What steps should be taken to prevent such outbreaks, and how can travelers protect themselves? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
