Urgent journey warning after 150 Brits struck down with ‘killer’ abdomen bugs on vacation
The UK Health Security Agency has issued a warning over travel to Cape Verde. Several UK holidaymakers are known to have died after contracting stomach bugs there
Health authorities have updated advice(Image: Getty Images)
Health authorities have issued a warning over travel to Cape Verde after more than 150 people from the UK fell ill with bugs that can cause severe diarrhoea and fever.
Several Britons are known to have died after contracting stomach bugs while on holiday at the popular winter sun destination. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said its investigation has identified cases of shigella and salmonella linked to travel to the holiday hotspot.
It found that, of the 118 shigella cases reported since October 1 and linked to international travel, some 112 (95%) of those people had been to Cape Verde, the majority to the Santa Maria and Boa Vista areas. Investigators also identified increases in cases of salmonella in people who travelled there.
Since October 1, 43 cases of salmonella from three separate clusters – identified using whole genome sequencing techniques – have been linked to travel to Cape Verde.
Irwin Mitchell solicitors are representing the families of the six people who have died and more than 1,500 people who have fallen ill after visits. The firm said four British people died within four months after being struck down with stomach bugs.
The UKHSA’s Dr Gauri Godbole said: “February is a popular time for winter sun holidays and we want to help families make the most of their breaks by staying healthy. Taking a few simple precautions against traveller’s diarrhoea and food poisoning can make all the difference.
“The best way to avoid gastrointestinal infections, including shigella and salmonella, or passing them to others, is simply by washing your hands regularly and thoroughly with soap and water or alcohol gel – particularly after using the toilet, changing nappies, and before eating or preparing food. Most episodes of traveller’s diarrhoea are short-lived, lasting for a few days.
“If symptoms worsen or you have underlying medical conditions, please seek advice from your GP or pharmacy.”
A new UKHSA study found local swimming pools, local water and poor sanitary conditions, as well as possible infection from hotel buffets and excursions, can increase the risk of infection.
Elena Walsh, 64, from Birmingham, Mark Ashley, 55, of Bedfordshire, 64-year-old Karen Pooley, from Gloucestershire, and a 56-year-old man all died last year after contracting severe gastric illnesses while on the islands off the coast of west Africa. These cases are being handled by Irwin Mitchell.
The other two Britons who have died since 2023 are Jane Pressley, 62, of Gainsborough, who died in January 2023 after falling ill while holidaying at Riu Palace Hotel in Santa Maria, Sal, the previous November, and a man in his 60s from Watford.
Families of all six people are making personal injury claims for damages against Tui, the provider of many package holidays to the island country. Jatinder Paul, serious injury lawyer at the firm, said: “In my experience I’m used to supporting holidaymakers who have fallen ill at resorts across the globe, but I’ve never seen repeated and continued illness outbreaks at the same resorts on such a scale over such a period of time.”
The UKHSA has updated its travel advice on the Travel Health Pro website for Cape Verde. It urges people to choose food that is freshly prepared, fully cooked and served piping hot. In areas without a reliable clean water supply, drink only bottled or boiled water, including when brushing your teeth, and avoid ice in drinks, it added. People are advised to only eat fruit they peel themselves and avoid salads that may not have been washed in safe water.
Shigella is a gastrointestinal bug that can cause severe diarrhoea, fever and stomach cramps. It can be caught from contaminated food, water or surfaces. Salmonella is often caused by eating or handling contaminated food.
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