UK Health Authorities Issue Urgent Cape Verde Travel Alert Following Multiple British Tourist Deaths
The UK Health Security Agency has issued an urgent health alert for British tourists planning visits to Cape Verde, the popular winter sun destination, following confirmation that over 150 UK travellers have been affected by serious gastrointestinal infections, with six British nationals having died since January 2023.
Significant Outbreaks of Shigella and Salmonella Identified
Health officials confirmed on Thursday that their investigation has identified significant outbreaks of both shigella and salmonella infections directly linked to travel to the West African archipelago. The UKHSA revealed that among 118 shigella infections recorded since October 1st that were associated with overseas travel, approximately 112 cases - representing 95% of those affected - had visited Cape Verde, with the majority concentrated in the Santa Maria and Boa Vista regions.
Additionally, the agency detected rising numbers of salmonella cases among individuals who had travelled to the holiday hotspot. Since October 1st, 43 salmonella infections from three distinct outbreaks - identified through advanced whole genome sequencing methods - have been definitively traced to Cape Verde travel.
Tragic Human Cost Behind the Statistics
The statistics represent a devastating human tragedy, with law firm Irwin Mitchell currently acting for the relatives of six deceased individuals and over 1,500 people who became unwell following Cape Verde holidays. Four British nationals died within a four-month period after being afflicted with gastric infections during their stays.
The victims include Elena Walsh, 64, from Birmingham; Mark Ashley, 55, of Bedfordshire; 64-year-old Karen Pooley from Gloucestershire; and a 56-year-old man, all of whom lost their lives last year following severe gastric infections during visits to the islands. Two additional British tourists have perished since 2023: Jane Pressley, 62, from Gainsborough, who passed away in January 2023 after becoming unwell whilst on holiday at Riu Palace Hotel in Santa Maria, and a gentleman in his 60s from Watford who died in November 2024.
Personal Stories Highlight the Dangers
Emma Ashley, 55, the widow of Mark Ashley, described how her family remains in "complete shock" following his death. "We went to Cape Verde expecting a relaxing break, but Mark became violently ill and never recovered," she explained. Just three days into their October getaway, Mr Ashley developed serious symptoms including abdominal pain, diarrhoea, vomiting, high temperature and severe fatigue.
Karen Pooley's husband Andy, 62, expressed his family's devastation: "We're utterly heartbroken. Karen was the kindest, loveliest person. We're devastated and struggling to understand how she went on holiday and never came home." Ms Pooley's initial death certificate cited multi-organ failure, sepsis, cardio-respiratory arrest and a broken left leg as causes of death.
Official Health Advice for Travellers
Dr Gauri Godbole, deputy director for gastrointestinal infections and food safety at the UKHSA, emphasised: "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 UKHSA has revised its travel guidance on the Travel Health Pro website for Cape Verde, recommending that travellers:
- Select food that is freshly made, thoroughly cooked and served steaming hot
- In regions lacking reliable clean water supplies, consume only bottled or boiled water, including whilst cleaning teeth
- Steer clear of ice in beverages
- Only consume fruit they peel personally
- Avoid salads that may not have been rinsed in safe water
Dr Godbole added: "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."
Potential Sources of Infection Identified
Recent UKHSA research has revealed that hotel swimming pools, local water supplies and inadequate hygiene facilities, alongside potential contamination from buffets and tourist activities, can heighten the risk of infections such as salmonella, shigella, giardia and cryptosporidium.
Jatinder Paul, serious injury solicitor at Irwin Mitchell, commented: "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."
Relatives of all six deceased individuals are pursuing personal injury claims for compensation against Tui, which organises numerous package breaks to the island nation. The company has not yet issued a formal statement regarding the allegations.
