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UK health agency warns against Cape Verde travel amid illness surge
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has urged caution for travelers to Cape Verde following a spike in bacterial infections among British holidaymakers, including four fatalities linked to stomach bugs.
Rising cases and fatalities
Since October 1, UKHSA has recorded 118 cases of shigella and 43 cases of salmonella among Britons returning from the West African archipelago. While most infections resolve within a week, four UK nationals died months after contracting the illnesses during their stay.
The warning arrives ahead of the February half-term break, a peak travel period for British tourists visiting the popular winter destination.
Symptoms and risks
Shigella and salmonella are bacterial infections targeting the digestive system, causing symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. Though many recover fully, vulnerable groups-including young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems-face higher risks of severe complications.
The bacteria spread through contact with contaminated feces, either directly or via unclean food, water, or surfaces.
Preventive measures
UKHSA advises travelers to Cape Verde to adopt basic hygiene practices to reduce infection risks. Dr. Gauri Godbole, UKHSA's deputy director for gastrointestinal infections and food safety, emphasized handwashing as the most effective defense.
"Taking simple precautions against traveler's diarrhea and food poisoning can make all the difference. Regular and thorough handwashing with soap and water-or alcohol gel-especially after using the toilet, changing nappies, and before eating or preparing food, is critical to avoiding infections or spreading them to others."
Dr. Gauri Godbole, UKHSA
Hotspots and contributing factors
The majority of shigella cases were traced to Santa Maria on Sal Island and Boa Vista, Cape Verde's easternmost island. Both are popular resort areas, with February temperatures averaging 25°C.
Dr. Damien Tully, an associate professor at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, noted that outbreaks are common in high-traffic hospitality settings, particularly buffets, where shared facilities can become breeding grounds for bacteria.
Last August's Hurricane Erin further exacerbated risks by damaging water and sanitation infrastructure, increasing the likelihood of waterborne diseases, according to a World Health Organization assessment.
Families pursue legal action
Four of the six British fatalities since January 2023 occurred last year: Mark Ashley, 55, from Bedfordshire; Elena Walsh, 64, from Birmingham; Karen Pooley, 64, from Gloucestershire; and a 56-year-old man from Watford. All families are pursuing personal injury claims against Tui, the package holiday provider.
Emma Ashley, widow of Mark Ashley, raised concerns about hygiene standards at their Sal Island resort, while Sean Walsh, son of Elena Walsh, echoed similar issues at their hotel.
Tui confirmed it was investigating the claims but declined further comment due to ongoing legal proceedings.
