What was meant to be a relaxing family getaway quickly became an experience one mother says she will never forget.
Danielle MacIntyre, from Glasgow, Scotland, had been looking forward to a seven-day holiday in Spain with her partner, her mother, and her two young daughters—three-year-old Nevah and five-month-old Milla. Still on maternity leave, Danielle hoped the trip would create precious memories before returning to everyday life.
The family settled into a luxury resort, and at first, everything seemed perfect. Even the journey went more smoothly than expected, with both little girls happily enjoying the flight.
But just days into the holiday, things took an unexpected turn.
On the fifth day of their stay, Nevah began feeling unwell. She developed a fever, cold-like symptoms, and a rash that gradually became more noticeable. Concerned, Danielle sought medical advice from the hotel’s doctor, who reassured her that the symptoms were likely caused by dehydration and were nothing serious.
However, on the day the family was due to fly home, Nevah’s condition changed again. Red spots appeared on the palms of her hands and the soles of her feet, leaving her mother increasingly worried.
The family’s concerns grew even greater after returning to Scotland, when baby Milla also began showing similar symptoms and soon developed a widespread rash.
Danielle immediately took both girls to see a doctor, where they were diagnosed with hand, foot, and mouth disease.
Doctors believed the children may have contracted the virus after coming into contact with contaminated surfaces or shared items during the family’s stay at the resort.
For Danielle, the diagnosis brought not only worry for her daughters but also frustration.
“I was furious,” she said. “I felt the travel company tried to keep quiet about the outbreak, and we were never warned by the hotel. We were travelling with two very young children, and I believe families should be given information that helps them make informed decisions.”
Although hand, foot, and mouth disease is a common viral illness in young children and many cases improve with supportive care, the experience turned what should have been a joyful family holiday into days filled with concern and recovery.
Now, Danielle hopes that by sharing her family’s experience, other parents will remain alert to early symptoms while travelling with young children and feel encouraged to seek medical advice if something doesn’t seem right.
Instead of returning home with only holiday photos and happy memories, the family came back with an experience they never expected—one that reminded them how quickly a carefree vacation can change when a child’s health becomes the family’s greatest concern.
