Since October 1, hundreds of cases of Shigella and Salmonella infection in travellers returning to England, Scotland, and Wales from the Cape Verde Islands have been reported.

UK health officials issued a warning back in February to Brits travelling to the area following this spike in cases.

More than 1,700 people have now joined a legal claim against travel company Tui after becoming ill while on holiday in the Cape Verde Islands, according to the BBC .

The broadcaster said: “Lawyers from Irwin Mitchell, who are leading the personal injury claim, say they have been contacted by people who became ill there as recently as two weeks ago.

“They believe at least eight Britons have now died after holidays there in recent years.”

Tui is investigating the claims and said it was “not in a position to provide a statement at this stage”.

What is Shigella?

Shigella are bacteria that can cause shigellosis, an infection of the gut that can result in severe diarrhoea, fever, and stomach cramps, Travel Health Pro explains.

Most people recover from shigellosis within a week.

The health experts added: “However, some individuals, such as older adults, individuals with weakened immune systems, anyone with complex medical conditions, pregnant women, and children under five, may be at greater risk of complications, including sepsis.”

Shigella is spread by contact with contaminated faeces either directly through person-to-person transmission or indirectly from food, water or surfaces contaminated with Shigella.

Travel Health Pro said: “There is a risk for travellers to places where food and water may be unsafe.”

What is Salmonella?

Meanwhile, Salmonella is a common bacterial infection that mainly affects the intestines/gut.

The Food Standards Agency continued: “Salmonella bacteria typically live in the intestines of infected animals and humans and are shed through faeces.

“Humans become infected most often through contaminated water or food.”

Symptoms of Salmonella, which usually develop between 12 and 72 hours after becoming infected, include:

  • Diarrhoea
  • Stomach cramps
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Fever

Travel warnings in place for Cape Verde Islands

Health warnings remain in place (as of April 7) for the Cape Verde Islands, according to the Foreign Office’s travel advice .

It said: “The UK Health Security Agency is investigating an increase in reports of Shigella sonnei and Salmonella infection in travellers returning from Cape Verde.

“If you have an underlying health condition, speak to a healthcare professional before travelling.”

The Foreign Office advises Brits travelling to Cape Verde to check they have the appropriate travel insurance and that their destination can provide the healthcare needed (if required).

It adds: “This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

“Global Health Insurance Cards (GHIC) are not accepted in Cape Verde, so it is essential that you have appropriate travel insurance.”

Vaccinations required for travel to Cape Verde

Travellers to the Cape Verde Islands are also urged to be up to date with routine vaccinations recommended in the UK .

Other vaccinations recommended by Travel Health Pro include:

  • Hepatitis A
  • Tetanus
  • Typhoid
  • Dengue
  • Hepatitis B
  • Rabies (Bat Lyssavirus)
  • Tuberculosis

‘I noticed uncooked meat being served’ while in Cape Verde, says travel expert

Co-founder of Travel City, Lee Dobson, visited Boa Vista on the Cape Verde Islands in June 2025 and “noticed undercooked meat being served at the buffet”.

Mr Dobson said: “It is the kind of thing you brush off at the time, but given what we now know about the ongoing issues out there, it sticks with you.

“Even at a decent hotel, you cannot afford to switch off about what you are eating and drinking.”

Medical facilities in Cape Verde are “basic and limited”, the Travel City co-founder warned, while some medicines are in “short supply or unavailable”.

Mr Dobson advised those travelling to the area to:

  • Take oral rehydration sachets
  • Check your insurance covers medical treatment and evacuation
  • Be aware that Cape Verde does not accept GHIC cards

Your rights if you become ill while on holiday

If travellers do get ill while travelling to Cape Verde, or anywhere else, Mr Dobson said to speak to your rep or agent “straight away” and keep any medical receipts or documentation.

He explained: “A lot of people do not realise their rights kick in while they are still on holiday, not just when they get home.

“Under the Package Travel Regulations 2018, the tour operator has a legal duty to assist travellers in difficulty, including pointing you toward health services and consular help.

“So if you fall ill, go to your rep straight away and ask them in writing what they are doing to help you. That paper trail matters later.

“The operator is also liable to compensate where injury or illness is sustained as a result of the holiday they supplied, including through the actions of a third party hotel.”

Mr Dobson continued: “Anyone affected should avoid accepting a goodwill gesture or partial refund without speaking to a solicitor first.

“Accepting a direct offer could leave you well short of what you are owed and make it harder to claim further down the line.”

For those who booked flights and accommodation separately, travellers will need to pursue the hotel under Cape Verdean law.

This is a “considerably harder and more expensive path”, and “one where travel insurance becomes absolutely critical”, travel expert at Lapland Famille , Alex Dyer, reveals.

For those eligible to claim, compensation can cover:

  • Medical treatment costs
  • Loss of enjoyment of the holiday
  • Damages for pain, suffering, and any ongoing health complications

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For package holiday claims pursued against a UK-based operator under English law, the limitation period is generally three years from the date of illness.

Those who booked independently and need to claim under local law need to seek legal advice “promptly”.

Mr Dyer continued: “What matters most right now is documentation. Anyone who fell ill should gather medical records, proof of diagnosis, receipts for any treatment, and a clear written timeline of events.

“All correspondence with the travel company should be kept too — this can be crucial evidence.”

Are you due to go on holiday to Cape Verde? Let us know in the comments below.





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