A dream holiday in Cyprus turned into a nightmare for Love Island star Anna Vakili, who was rushed to the hospital in agony, unable to eat, move, or even stand. The 34-year-old reality TV personality, known for her appearance on season five of the hit ITV2 dating show, shared the harrowing experience on her podcast alongside her sister, Mandi Vakili. What began as a sunny getaway ended with Anna battling a severe infection that left her bloated, in excruciating pain, and fearing for her life.
Anna described the ordeal as a “holiday from hell.” On her final day in Cyprus, she was struck by relentless vomiting, diarrhea, and a high fever. The pain was so intense that she “cried her eyes out,” leaving her boyfriend, Cowslick, deeply concerned. He rushed her to a local hospital, where her condition rapidly worsened. “I couldn’t eat, I couldn’t move, I couldn’t even walk,” Anna recounted, her voice trembling as she described collapsing in pain and being whisked away in a wheelchair.
Doctors, alarmed by her condition, ordered urgent tests, including an X-ray, CT scan, and blood work. The results were alarming: Anna’s inflammatory markers were “off the scale,” signaling a severe infection raging in her body. The CT scan revealed her intestines and bowels were dramatically swollen, leading to a diagnosis of bacterial colitis—a brutal form of food poisoning caused by harmful bacteria, often contracted through contaminated food or water.
Bacterial colitis is no small matter. It inflames the colon, triggering intense abdominal pain, cramping, watery or bloody diarrhea, fever, chills, and extreme bloating that can make sufferers feel or even look “pregnant.” In Anna’s case, the bloating was so severe it added to her distress. The bacteria invade the colon’s lining, sparking an immune response that causes swelling and a cascade of debilitating symptoms. Left untreated, the condition can escalate from uncomfortable to life-threatening.
Anna’s treatment began immediately. Doctors administered IV antibiotics to combat the infection and fluids to address severe dehydration caused by her relentless symptoms. Pain relief medications helped ease her agony, and she was advised to stick to bland, low-fiber foods during recovery while avoiding dairy and spicy foods that could worsen her condition. Probiotics were also recommended to restore her gut’s natural balance.
As Anna fought through migraines, vomiting, and persistent pain in the days that followed, her sister Mandi nearly flew back to Cyprus, fearing the worst. “I thought it could be life-threatening,” Mandi admitted on the podcast. Fortunately, Anna’s body responded well to the antibiotics, and she began to stabilize, though the emotional toll lingered. “I was sobbing, not just from the pain but from feeling so helpless,” she shared.
Throughout the ordeal, Anna’s boyfriend, Cowslick, remained by her side, acting as her “full-time carer.” His unwavering support was a lifeline, though it left Anna grappling with mixed emotions. “I felt so guilty relying on him so much,” she confessed. The couple, who split in March after a rollercoaster relationship, had recently rekindled their romance—despite fans urging Anna to move on. However, she remains cautious, stating she won’t fully commit until she feels “emotionally safe.”
Anna’s terrifying health scare serves as a stark reminder of how quickly a dream vacation can turn into a medical emergency. Now on the road to recovery, the Love Island star is grateful to be alive and supported, even as she navigates her complex feelings about love and healing.