Suffolk woman claims she fell ill after Airbnb Florida stay

Pamela Farman, from Somerleyton, is still suffering long-term health issues after she was struck down with Legionnaires' disease in May last year during a holiday to the 'sunshine state' with her family.

But despite the near-death experience, she says Airbnb was initially reluctant to help or offer a refund.

The company has confirmed it is investigating and said customer safety is a top priority. 

Pamela with her husband Stanley a day before she became ill during their trip to Florida in May 2022 (Image: Pamela Farman)

Mrs Farman, 75, said: "The doctor said I was lucky to have survived. I'm still suffering the after-effects now and a doctor has said I may never get over it fully - it's seriously curtailed my quality of life."

Mrs Farman spent a week in a Florida hospital, undergoing "traumatic" treatment including an intravenous course of antibiotics and was put on oxygen.

She flew home as soon as she was discharged but upon return, her symptoms hadn't improved and she spent several more days at James Paget Hospital in Gorleston.

Pamela Farman undergoing treatment after contracting legionnaires' disease during a holiday in Florida (Image: Pamela Farman)

Legionnaires' disease is a severe type of pneumonia caused by the bacteria legionella, with poorly maintained hot tubs often found to be the source. 

It is uncommon but can be very serious, according to the NHS, and in recent years a number of holidaymakers have died from contracting it. 

The holiday was fraught with problems right from the start after the first two Airbnb villas they booked were "dirty" with algae in the swimming pool.

They settled on a third villa but within a few days, Mrs Farman had fallen ill.

The state of the hot tub at the first Airbnb Mrs Farman and family were booked to stay at (Image: Lindsay Martin)

The condition of the pool at the first Airbnb villa in Kissimmee, Florida (Image: Lindsay Martin)

Daughter Lindsay Martin added: "Before we knew it, mum was in hospital.

"We immediately called Airbnb to report what had happened so they could get the pools and hot tubs cleaned to prevent any more cases.

"Their customer service was awful and we spent hours communicating with them on an online chat.

"It was incredibly frustrating and they initially refused to accept responsibility or offer us a refund.

"It wasn't about the money, we didn't want anyone else to become ill and go through this - people can die from it.

"Airbnb should take more responsibility for how the hosts maintain their properties."

Pamela Farman during her stay in hospital in Florida (Image: Pamela Farman)

A spokesman for the company said: "The safety of our community is our priority. We were concerned to learn about this, and are in contact with the guest to support them as we investigate this matter."

The company said it holds hosts to "high standards" and works with safety experts around the world to ensure guests' safety.