Six British Tourists Die in Cape Verde Gastric Illness Outbreak: Full Investigation
A serious health crisis has unfolded in Cape Verde, with six British nationals having died after contracting severe gastric illnesses while on holiday since January 2023. Legal firms and health authorities are now investigating the tragic series of events, which has prompted widespread concern and legal action from affected families.
Timeline and Scale of the Outbreak
Lawyers have confirmed that the six deaths occurred over a period from January 2023 to November 2025. Notably, four of these fatalities happened within a concentrated four-month window between August and November 2025, highlighting a potential spike in cases. The legal firm Irwin Mitchell is representing more than 1,500 other holidaymakers who reported falling seriously ill after visiting the islands, indicating a significant public health issue.
Causes and Medical Details
The deaths are attributed to outbreaks of Shigella sonnei, a highly contagious bacterial infection typically spread through contaminated food or water. While many individuals recover from such infections, they can lead to fatal complications in vulnerable people or those with underlying health conditions. These complications include sepsis, multi-organ failure, and heart failure, which have been implicated in the recent tragedies.
Resort Concerns and Hygiene Allegations
Many of the victims were staying at popular all-inclusive resorts in Sal, operated by Riu Hotels and booked through the travel company TUI. Families have raised serious concerns about hygiene standards at these locations, reporting issues such as:
- Improperly cooked food and poor sanitation practices.
- Water storage left exposed to the sun, potentially leading to contamination.
- Leaking appliances, with one incident where a victim fractured her femur after slipping on water from a leaking fridge.
Criticism of Medical Care and Evacuation Challenges
Families of the deceased have strongly criticised the medical care available in Cape Verde, describing local clinics as "chaotic" and even comparing them to "war zones". The UK Foreign Office supports this view, warning that medical facilities on the islands are "very basic and limited". Some victims died before they could be successfully evacuated to better-equipped hospitals in Tenerife or the UK, underscoring the urgent need for improved emergency response protocols.
Legal Action and Official Responses
Families of all six victims are currently pursuing personal injury claims against TUI, seeking accountability for the illnesses and deaths. In response, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Foreign Office have issued updated health warnings for travellers to Cape Verde. These advisories recommend practicing strict food and water hygiene and avoiding untreated water while visiting the archipelago.
TUI has stated that it is fully investigating the claims and ensures any customers who fall ill while on holiday have access to appropriate care and assistance. However, the company noted that sometimes individuals do not report illness or seek support during their stay, which can limit the assistance they are able to provide.
Ongoing Developments and Public Health Implications
This incident raises broader questions about tourist safety and health standards in popular holiday destinations. As investigations continue, it serves as a stark reminder for travellers to remain vigilant about hygiene practices abroad. The legal proceedings and health advisories are likely to influence future travel policies and resort operations in the region.
