Shigella Outbreak in Cape Verde Prompts UK Health Alert for Travellers
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is currently investigating a significant rise in cases of Shigella sonnei, a dangerous bacterial infection, with strong links to travel to the Cape Verde islands. This health alert follows the tragic deaths of four British holidaymakers from gastric illness in Cape Verde earlier this month, raising serious concerns about health and safety standards in the popular tourist destination.
Rising Infection Rates and Travel Links
Since October 2025, there have been 137 confirmed cases of Shigella infection in the United Kingdom. Alarmingly, 109 of these cases—approximately 80%—have been directly linked to recent travel to the Cape Verde archipelago. This sharp increase has prompted health officials to issue specific guidance for anyone planning a trip to the region.
Shigella bacteria are known to cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms, including intense diarrhoea, high fever, and debilitating stomach cramps. The infection spreads primarily through contact with contaminated faeces, which can easily taint food and water supplies in areas with poor sanitation.
Essential Medical Advice for Travellers
A leading travel medical specialist has provided crucial advice for those visiting Cape Verde or similar destinations. To prevent infection, travellers are urged to:
- Practice rigorous personal hygiene, including frequent handwashing with soap and water.
- Use alcohol-based hand sanitiser regularly, especially before eating.
- Consume only freshly cooked, piping hot food and avoid raw or undercooked items.
- Drink bottled or properly treated water exclusively.
For management, carrying oral rehydration solutions is highly recommended to combat dehydration from diarrhoea. In some cases, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics as a preventive measure or for treatment, but these should only be used under medical supervision.
Foreign Office Warnings and Insurance Imperative
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has updated its travel advice for Cape Verde, emphasising the importance of comprehensive travel insurance. Medical facilities on the islands are described as basic, with limited resources for treating serious illnesses. Notably, the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) is not accepted in Cape Verde, leaving travellers without adequate insurance potentially facing substantial medical bills or inadequate care.
This situation underscores the need for heightened awareness and precautionary measures among British tourists. The UKHSA continues to monitor the outbreak closely, working with international health bodies to address the source and prevent further cases.
