Tejal Somvanshi
A 57-year-old British woman is fighting for her life in a hospital in Crete, Greece after contracting Legionnaires’ disease during what was meant to be a relaxing holiday.
Donna Jobling from Hull traveled to Crete with her husband Sidney, 69, and another couple for an all-inclusive vacation that cost £1,500 per couple. The holiday started well, but on June 5, Donna began feeling unwell with what seemed like a chest infection. Her condition quickly worsened.
By June 11, doctors at Venizeleio Hospital in Heraklion placed Donna in an induced coma. Tests confirmed she had contracted Legionnaires’ disease, a serious lung infection caused by Legionella pneumophila bacteria. The infection triggered acute respiratory failure and pneumonia.
“We were told it was touch and go whether she would survive,” said Claire, Donna’s 42-year-old niece who flew to Crete when she heard how ill her aunt had become. “We are all praying for her. She is stable but under constant watch.”
Claire described her aunt as “like a mother to us all” and said the family is “devastated and beside ourselves” over her condition.
What is Legionnaires’ Disease?
Legionnaires’ disease is a serious lung infection caused by breathing in small droplets of water containing Legionella bacteria. The bacteria can grow in water systems that aren’t properly maintained, such as:
- Air conditioning systems
- Hot tubs and spa pools
- Showers and taps
- Hotel water tanks
People don’t catch it from other people. Instead, they breathe in water droplets carrying the bacteria. Symptoms typically include high fever, cough, muscle aches, headaches and shortness of breath.
The disease is more dangerous for people over 50, smokers, and those with existing health conditions. Claire mentioned that Donna already had complex medical conditions, including epilepsy.
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Hotel Takes Precautions
While the exact source of the bacteria hasn’t been identified, it’s believed to have come from either the air conditioning system or a hot tub at the hotel where Donna was staying.
EasyJet Holidays, who arranged the trip, has taken immediate action. They moved other guests out of the hotel as a precaution and contacted people who recently stayed there or were planning to visit in the next four weeks.
“We’re so sorry to hear that Ms Jobling is unwell, and we’re continuing to support her and her family in every way we can,” said a spokesperson for EasyJet Holidays. “Our customers’ safety and wellbeing is our top priority.”
Greek Authorities Respond
The incident has prompted the Greek Health Ministry to issue an “extremely urgent” advisory to hotels across Crete. The notice urges hotels to increase monitoring of water quality, particularly regarding Legionella bacteria.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control has also issued an emergency alert following Donna’s diagnosis.
The hotel is currently working with local health authorities to identify the source of the bacteria. Reports suggest checks by authorities on the island have shown the bacterium in 50% of water samples taken.
Donna’s husband Sidney remains at her bedside in Crete. Meanwhile, Paula and Nicholas Mason, the couple who traveled with the Joblings, returned to Hull on June 12, the day they were all meant to fly back together.
“I felt awful having to leave my best friend there,” said Paula, 52. “Donna has a heart of gold. She would do anything for anyone. We are all still in shock.”
A spokesperson from the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office confirmed: “We are supporting the family of a British woman in hospital in Greece and are in contact with the local authorities.”
