Stray cat encounter leaves British backpacker in critical condition

Alysha, 26, from Leeds, was island-hopping in Indonesia and en route to Thailand – two of the most popular long-haul destinations for British tourists, when she suddenly developed symptoms later diagnosed as salmonella and typhoid fever.

In light of this, Shuban Kotwal, Product Director at Away Holidays provides his tips on how best to avoid illness when visiting destinations in Southeast Asia, in the hopes travellers can avoid a ruined holiday.

The dangers of being a cat lover

After staying in both hotels and hostels throughout her eight months of travelling, Alysha’s illness was triggered after touching and feeding several stray cats - a common sight across Thailand and Indonesia, where hundreds of thousands of street animals roam freely. In Thailand alone, it’s estimated that there are close to a million stray cats and dogs. *

“It started with severe aches throughout my whole body, almost like my bones were bruised,” she explains. “Then came the fever – I was violently shivering in 34°C heat, then vomiting constantly. I couldn’t even keep water down – that’s when I knew I needed urgent help.”

She was staying on Gili Trawangan, a remote Indonesian island known for its party scene and no-motorbike policy – but also lacking any hospital, pharmacy or emergency medical infrastructure. The hostel staff had to call a doctor directly to Alysha’s room because she was too weak to move.

“The first doctor was amazing and kind despite my phobia of needles. But after he left the island, the second one wasn’t as kind. He barely spoke English and left me on a drip that was flowing way too fast.”

When Alysha stood up to go to the toilet, she passed out, later discovering the IV had been set to release three drips per second, a dangerously high rate that should only be monitored by trained professionals.

“I found out later that even one to two drips per second needs constant observation. At that rate, it could have caused a cardiac arrest. It was honestly terrifying.”

Despite being severely unwell, Alysha had to catch a flight to Thailand a few days later and received further hospital treatment. Though the journey was “horrific,” she is now on the mend and wants to share her story to highlight the hidden risks of casual animal contact in countries with lower hygiene standards.

“Everyone tells you to avoid dodgy food, but no one warns you that you can catch serious infections just by stroking stray animals. I hadn’t even considered what I might catch – but typhoid is no joke.”

Shuban Kotwal, Product Director at Away Holidays, is urging UK tourists to take the following precautions when travelling to Southeast Asia and other high-risk areas:

• Avoid physical contact with stray animals, no matter how tame or friendly they appear
• Get vaccinated for typhoid before travelling to regions where sanitation may be limited – this includes much of Asia, Africa, and Central and South America.
• Take out comprehensive travel insurance that covers emergency medical evacuations
• Pack a basic first aid kit including rehydration salts, antiseptic, and anti-diarrhoeal medication
• Seek medical attention immediately if experiencing fever, stomach pain, or dehydration

Shuban added “While a beautiful holiday destination, many regions remain rural or under-resourced, meaning even minor illnesses can become critical without quick intervention.

“Alysha’s experience is a stark reminder that even low-risk behaviours like petting cats can have dangerous consequences when combined with poor sanitation and a lack of access to professional medical care.”

Due to the ongoing dispute along the boarder with Thailand and Cambodia, please check foreign travel advice before travelling: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/thailand.

Find out more about holidays to Thailand here: https://www.awayholidays.co.uk/fareast/thailand/