Cape Verde Health Crisis: Six British Tourists Dead, Over 150 Ill
British holidaymakers are expressing fury and fear following a major health crisis in Cape Verde that has resulted in six deaths and over 150 illnesses. The popular winter sun destination is now under intense scrutiny as tourists grapple with whether to cancel trips or risk severe gastric infections.
Outbreak Linked to Salmonella and Shigella
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed that an outbreak of salmonella and shigella is directly linked to travel to Cape Verde. Investigations reveal that of the 118 shigella cases reported since October 1st, a staggering 95 percent of affected individuals had visited the archipelago, particularly the Santa Maria and Boa Vista areas.
These gastrointestinal bugs cause alarming symptoms including fever, severe diarrhoea, and stomach cramps. The UKHSA study identifies local swimming pools, contaminated water, poor sanitary conditions, hotel buffets, and excursions as potential infection sources, also noting risks from giardia and cryptosporidium.
Tragic Deaths Within Four Months
Four of the six British fatalities occurred within a devastating four-month period. The victims include Mark Ashley, 55, from Bedfordshire; Elena Walsh, 64, from Birmingham; Karen Pooley, 64, from Gloucestershire; and a 56-year-old man. All contracted severe gastric illnesses while staying at Cape Verde resorts.
Mark Ashley's wife, Emma, described their holiday as a nightmare that turned tragic. "We went to Cape Verde expecting a relaxing break, but Mark became violently ill and never recovered," she said. The couple had stayed at the five-star Riu Palace Santa Maria resort in Sal. After returning home, Mark collapsed and died in hospital on November 12th.
Karen Pooley's holiday ended equally tragically when she slipped on water leaking from a fridge while ill, fracturing her femur. Despite being airlifted to Tenerife for urgent care, she died on October 17th. Her husband Andy expressed heartbreak: "We're devastated and struggling to understand how she went on holiday and never came home."
Tourist Fury at TUI's Response
Leading holiday company TUI faces mounting criticism from customers who claim the company has mishandled the health scare. On public Facebook groups, furious travellers allege TUI denied knowledge of widespread illnesses even as people were hospitalised.
One angry customer stated: "TUI have lied all through this. They told me when I was ill there were no other complaints, this is total rubbish!! I wasn't the only one ill after 10 days, we had people much worse than me who were hospitalised & they denied it all!!!"
Another holidaymaker who fell ill in August 2023 warned: "It was confirmed that the shellfish was carrying shigella from the sea and that's how I got it - I have never been the same again with my digestive system." They urged others to reconsider Cape Verde trips, noting pools were frequently closed due to illness.
Horrifying Resort Conditions Described
Beyond illness outbreaks, tourists describe appalling conditions at some Cape Verde resorts. One visitor claimed their hotel resembled a "war zone," forcing them to pay £700 extra to relocate. They accused TUI of ignoring legitimate concerns and refusing assistance.
Another tourist reported dodging shigella but encountering cockroaches everywhere, including in restaurants, and intermittent water supplies that prevented proper handwashing. They wrote: "One of our party had a large cockroach sat on his shoulder as he was eating in the Italian a la carte restaurant."
Legal Action and Updated Travel Advice
Irwin Mitchell solicitors are representing the families of all six deceased individuals plus over 1,500 people who fell ill after Cape Verde visits. Personal injury claims for damages are being pursued against TUI, the provider of many package holidays to the islands.
The UKHSA has updated its travel advice for Cape Verde on the Travel Health Pro website, urging precautions including:
- Choosing freshly prepared, fully cooked food served piping hot
- Drinking only bottled or boiled water in areas without reliable clean water
- Avoiding ice in drinks and using safe water for brushing teeth
- Eating only fruit you peel yourself and avoiding salads possibly washed in unsafe water
Shigella spreads through contaminated food, water, or surfaces, while salmonella typically comes from handling or eating contaminated food. As the crisis unfolds, TUI did not respond to requests for comment, leaving many holidaymakers in limbo about their travel plans and safety.
