A British baby girl has died after contracting E. coli while on holiday in Egypt, her family's lawyers have confirmed. One-year-old Ariella Mann became severely ill following a stay at the five-star Jaz Makadi Aquaviva in Hurghada, Egypt, with her parents in December 2025. Upon returning to the UK, she was hospitalised and diagnosed with haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS), a rare but serious kidney condition linked to E. coli, which ultimately led to her death.
Other Children Affected
Specialist injury lawyers Irwin Mitchell revealed that two other children also developed HUS after staying at the same hotel between July 2024 and January 2026. Chloe Crook, aged two at the time of her holiday, and Arthur Broughton, then aged six, remain under the care of specialist nephrology teams. Lawyers representing the families are now demanding answers from holiday operators Tui and the hotel management.
Family's Heartbreaking Account
Ariella's mother, Jade Oakes, 34, described feeling 'completely helpless' as she watched her daughter fall ill during what was meant to be a dream £6,000 package holiday. 'We went to Egypt expecting to make happy memories with our little girl, but instead it became the worst time of our lives,' she said. Ariella exhibited symptoms including fever, vomiting, and diarrhoea while abroad. Despite several visits to the hotel's clinic, her condition did not improve.
The family returned to the UK on January 5, 2026, but Ariella's health deteriorated further. She was rushed to hospital by ambulance and on January 7 was transferred to a specialist children's hospital, where she was placed in an induced coma. Tests confirmed E. coli infection leading to HUS, requiring dialysis and affecting her brain. Ariella died on January 10.
'We felt completely helpless watching Ariella suffer,' Ms Oakes said. 'Later, hearing that other children had developed the same illness, I was distraught. We want to warn other families about the dangers of E. coli and HUS.' She added: 'I can't begin to describe the pain of losing a child. After Ariella's death, returning from hospital to her unopened Christmas presents was unbearable.'
Details of Other Cases
Chloe Crook, who was two during her holiday in July 2024, experienced similar symptoms and was airlifted to a London hospital for treatment. She was placed in an induced coma for four days, during which she developed pneumonia and a blood clot in her neck and arm. Chloe has since been discharged but continues under nephrology care.
Arthur Broughton, who fell ill after staying at the hotel in August 2025, had to relearn how to walk due to the illness's impact on his brain. His kidney function is now at approximately 70%, and he remains on medication under specialist supervision.
Legal and Corporate Responses
Jatinder Paul, the lawyer from Irwin Mitchell representing the families, expressed 'major concern' that all three cases originated from the same hotel. A Tui spokesperson stated: 'We are deeply saddened by the passing of Ariella, and our thoughts remain with her parents and family. This is a devastating loss. We are also very sorry to hear about the serious illnesses experienced by Arthur and Chloe. Reports of illness, particularly involving children, are taken extremely seriously. We took immediate action by instructing an independent health and safety investigation. We continue to monitor reports of illness alongside the hotel, local authorities, and the UK Health Security Agency.' The Jaz Makadi Aquaviva has been contacted for comment.
