A British vacationer was removed from a TUI cruise due to a ringworm infection that changed his skin appearance during the flight, causing concern among the staff who suspected he may have contracted monkeypox.

James Scott, a hospital maintenance worker from Nottingham, acquired the fungal skin infection from kittens he recently adopted. His GP prescribed him medication and provided a note outlining the ringworm treatment. Unfortunately, the infection transformed while he was en route to Tenerife.

Upon attempting to board the cruise, staff detected blistering on James’ skin due to the high pressure. A doctor quickly examined him, suspecting he might have contracted monkeypox.

James, aged 53, sought medical attention on the cruise ship in the Canary Islands and was promptly placed in quarantine. After two days of observation, he returned to Fuerteventura, the largest island in the Spanish territory.

Having spent approximately £2,500 on the TUI trip, James estimated that he was left out of pocket by around £5,000. He expressed feeling embarrassed and described the experience as a financial setback.

Monkeypox, also known as Mpox, is a severe illness characterized by a distinctive rash and flu-like symptoms. The risk of contracting the disease in the UK is generally low, with fewer than 200 cases reported in the Canary Islands following an outbreak in 2022.

The archipelago has confirmed over 170 cases, mostly requiring home quarantine for mild symptoms. Monkeypox spreads through physical contact, contact with contaminated surfaces, or exposure to infected individuals’ respiratory secretions. In contrast, ringworm typically manifests as a circular rash causing localized itching.

James informed TUI about his condition and provided a doctor’s note detailing his ringworm treatment regimen a day before the trip.

Despite hoping to postpone the trip for recovery, TUI insisted he either proceed with the scheduled voyage or forfeit the money paid. James emphasized his request was not for a refund but for understanding to allow him time to recuperate.

TUI maintained that they adhered to the proper procedures in James’ case, highlighting the absence of an official fit-to-fly certificate required for passengers recovering from infectious diseases.