Health officials have raised serious concerns about traveling to Cape Verde after over 150 UK tourists fell ill with severe gastrointestinal infections. The illnesses, caused by bacteria such as Shigella and Salmonella, have led to critical health complications and, tragically, the deaths of several British holidaymakers, including a woman from Gloucestershire.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) announced this week that since October 1, there have been 118 reported cases of Shigella associated with international travel, with 95% linked to Cape Verde, specifically the popular holiday destinations of Santa Maria and Boa Vista. In addition, 43 cases of Salmonella have been identified in travelers to the islands, identified through advanced whole genome sequencing techniques.
Irwin Mitchell solicitors represent the families of six British nationals who have died and more than 1,500 individuals who have suffered illness after visiting Cape Verde. Among the deceased are 64-year-old Karen Pooley from Gloucestershire and Mark Ashley from Bedfordshire, both of whom fell gravely ill during their holidays and later passed away due to complications from the infections.
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Dr. Gauri Godbole, deputy director for gastrointestinal infections and food safety at UKHSA, emphasized the importance of simple hygiene measures to prevent infection. “Washing hands regularly with soap and water or alcohol gel, especially after using the toilet and before eating or preparing food, can significantly reduce risks,” she said. Dr. Godbole also stressed the importance of staying hydrated and using oral rehydration salts if symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting occur, particularly for vulnerable groups including young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and those with pre-existing conditions.
A recent UKHSA study has linked outbreaks to factors such as contaminated local swimming pools, unsafe water, poor sanitation, and possibly infected food at hotel buffets and excursions. Specific resorts, including Riu Funana and Riu Palace Santa Maria in Sal, have been associated with reported cases.
One tragic case involved Karen Pooley, who fell ill four days into her stay at the Riu Funana resort and later tragically died following complications including sepsis and multi-organ failure. Mark Ashley became severely ill during his stay at Riu Palace Santa Maria, and despite reporting his illness promptly, he passed away shortly after returning to the UK.
Families affected have initiated personal injury claims against Tui, the travel operator responsible for many of the package holidays to Cape Verde. Jatinder Paul, a serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, noted the unusual scale and persistence of these outbreaks at the same resorts over an extended period.
UKHSA has updated its travel advice for Cape Verde, urging travelers to consume only freshly prepared, thoroughly cooked food served hot. Travelers should drink bottled or boiled water, avoid ice, and only eat peeled fruits or items that have been washed in safe water.
Travelers are urged to remain vigilant and adhere to hygiene recommendations to avoid contracting potentially serious gastrointestinal infections while enjoying their holidays.