The Polish 18-year-old who died from blood poisoning following an untreated bowel infection did not want to call a doctor to treat what she thought was a normal stomach bug, Times of Malta has learnt.

This was confirmed by forensic sources and Karen Bugeja, managing director of Plevna Hotel, in Sliema, where Izabela Poniedzialek was staying.

“The group leader is very dedicated and caring and she did her best to look after her,” Ms Bugeja said.

She said the teenager’s Polish group leader had told her she repeatedly offered to call a doctor and was in contact with Ms Poniedzialek’s mother about her condition. She even spoke to her on Monday evening; the teenager died on Tuesday.

The girl refused to see a doctor even though over-the-counter medication did not stop her diarrhoea and vomiting, Ms Bugeja said, adding she did not know why she made that decision.

The answer may possibly be found in comments posted by Ms Poniedzialek’s friends on Facebook where they described her as a “very friendly and shy” person who did not want to cause any issues.

Ms Poniedzialek had come to Malta around a month ago with a group of about 10 Polish students and the group leader from the technical school Technikum Ekonomiczno-Hotelarskie Number 4 in Krakow.

They are scheduled to leave Malta tomorrow.

Her room-mates went for breakfast and asked if she wanted anything. She told them tea and melon

The students came over to gain job experience working in hospitality while practising their English.

They carried out work practice in various hotels and establishments and bookings were made by the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association.

Ms Bugeja said the group leader had brought students to Malta several times before and the groups often stayed at the Plevna Hotel.

She recounted that when she reported for work on Tuesday at about 9am she found police officers and medics there. She then learnt what happened.

Ms Poniedzialek, who had been complaining of bowel problems for a few days, shared a room with two friends. On Tuesday morning, her room-mates went for breakfast and asked her if she wanted anything. She told them she felt like having tea and melon.

When the two girls returned to their room they could not open the door and became worried as their friend was not answering.

They called their group leader and, together with hotel staff, they jumped into the room from an adjoining balcony. When they entered the room they found the lifeless body of Ms Poniedzialek lying close to the door.

The students were shattered and the hotel got psychological support for them, Ms Bugeja said. They were also examined by a doctor and none had bowel problems.

The hotel also got clearance from the Health Department that the condition was not contagious.

Attempts to speak to the group leader were not successful. Two students walking out of the hotel said they did not want to talk about the terrible loss of their friend.

Mass for the repose of Ms Poniedzialek’s soul will be said today at St Patrick’s church, Sliema, at 7pm.