'Poop infection' still raises questions

- The mystery surrounding the sudden death of two British tourists at the Steigenberger Aqua Magic hotel in the Egyptian resort of Hurghada is increasing. The official autopsy report in Egypt attributes death to an acute food poisoning caused by a 'poop infection', but travel organization Thomas Cook is not so sure.

'Even our own research showed an increased amount of e-coli bacteria in the resort, but people normally do not die. We therefore want a second opinion. The British are now carrying out autopsy on the bodies, which are now back in the United Kingdom. We wait for that result before we formally respond, 'said a spokesperson for the European group.

Also the family of the deceased couple Cooper, 60-plus, does not trust the case and demands full clarification. There would have been toxic fumes by pesticides in rooms.

Steigenberger Hotels AG, the hotel's franchiser in Hurghada, says in a statement that the Egyptian authorities have clarified the issue. ' Although the question is whether these guests have really gotten sick of food that is prepared in the Aqua Magic, 'says CEO Thomas Willms. He has commissioned an extra check on hygiene for all 130 hotels worldwide in the chain. 'We already have strict regulations for this, but we will go over it again and if necessary tighten it further. The staff will also receive more training. Everyone must be aware of the risks. Safety of tourists is paramount. I do not compromise on that quality, 'says Willms.

Thomas Cook has evacuated 300 customers from the five-star resort on the Red Sea as a precautionary measure and will no longer place any bookings there until the beginning of 2019. 'First, the cause of death must be 100% clear and the hotel must make demonstrable improvements to prevent repetition. We also double-check other hotels in Egypt. '

A dozen Dutch tourists were also housed in other hotels last month. Thomas Cook is a major international tour operator who takes care of the holidays of many British and German people, but also of Dutch people.