British health officials have issued an urgent travel warning for holidaymakers planning trips to Cape Verde after a rise in serious stomach infections linked to the popular tourist destination. The alert follows reports that several British travellers became seriously ill after visiting the island nation, with four UK nationals confirmed to have died after contracting bacterial infections during their trips.
The warning comes as thousands of UK families prepare for the busy February half-term holiday season, when Cape Verde attracts large numbers of visitors looking for winter sunshine.
Rise in Stomach Infection Cases Among UK Travellers
According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), more than 160 infection cases linked to travel to Cape Verde have been recorded since October. These include:
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118 cases of shigella infection
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43 cases of salmonella infection
Health officials said most travellers recovered within a few days to one week. However, they confirmed that four British tourists died months after falling ill following their holidays.
Authorities continue to investigate the outbreak and are closely monitoring the situation.
What Are Shigella and Salmonella?
Shigella and salmonella are bacterial infections that affect the digestive system. They usually spread through contaminated food, unsafe drinking water, or poor hygiene conditions.
Common symptoms include:
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Diarrhoea
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Stomach cramps
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Fever
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Vomiting
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Dehydration
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Fatigue
Most healthy adults recover without medical treatment. However, the infections can become dangerous for vulnerable groups, including:
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Young children
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Elderly travellers
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Pregnant women
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People with weakened immune systems
In severe cases, dehydration or complications from infection can lead to hospitalisation or death.
Tourist Areas Most Affected
Health investigators reported that many infection cases were linked to visits to major resort areas, particularly:
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Santa Maria resort on Sal Island
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Boa Vista Island
These areas are among the most visited locations by British tourists due to their beaches, hotels, and holiday packages.
Official Travel Health Advice for Visitors
The UKHSA has issued safety guidance to help travellers reduce the risk of infection while visiting Cape Verde or similar destinations.
Food Safety Tips
Travellers are advised to:
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Eat food that is freshly cooked and served hot
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Avoid raw or undercooked meat and seafood
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Peel fruits personally before eating
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Avoid salads or uncooked vegetables
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Avoid buffet foods that may sit out for long periods
Drinking Water Safety
Visitors should:
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Drink bottled or properly boiled water
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Avoid ice in drinks unless made from safe water
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Use bottled water when brushing teeth
Hygiene Protection
Experts recommend:
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Washing hands regularly with soap and clean water
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Using alcohol-based hand sanitiser when washing facilities are unavailable
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Avoiding touching the face with unwashed hands
Health specialists say handwashing remains one of the most effective ways to prevent food-related illnesses.
Why Tourist Resorts Can Increase Infection Risk
Medical experts say infections often spread more easily in busy holiday resorts. Shared dining areas, buffet restaurants, swimming pools, and crowded facilities can increase exposure to bacteria.
Specialists warn that buffet dining, while popular with tourists, can sometimes allow bacteria to spread if food is not stored or handled safely.
Deaths Linked to Travel Illnesses
Authorities confirmed four British tourists died after falling ill following visits to Cape Verde. Reports indicate they became infected during their holidays and later developed serious health complications.
Families of the victims have raised concerns about hygiene standards at some resorts and have started legal action against travel companies. Investigations are ongoing, and travel operators have stated they are reviewing the claims.
Hurricane Damage Raised Health Concerns
Public health risks in Cape Verde increased after severe storm damage affected water and sanitation systems last year. Storm-related infrastructure damage may increase the risk of contaminated water supplies and disease spread.
International health organisations have warned that damaged sanitation systems can allow harmful bacteria to spread more easily in affected regions.
Is It Still Safe to Travel to Cape Verde?
Travel experts stress that Cape Verde remains open to tourists and many visitors continue to travel safely each year. However, travellers are advised to take extra precautions and follow official health guidance carefully.
Tourists who experience symptoms during or after travel should seek medical attention quickly, especially if symptoms become severe or last longer than a few days.
What Travellers Should Do If They Become Ill
Health authorities advise visitors to:
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Stay hydrated by drinking clean fluids
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Seek medical help if symptoms are severe
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Avoid preparing food for others if unwell
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Inform travel insurers and medical professionals about recent travel
Early treatment can reduce the risk of serious complications.
Growing Focus on Travel Health Safety
The warning highlights increasing concerns about travel-related infections as international tourism continues to grow. Health officials are encouraging travellers to research destination health risks before booking holidays and to follow safety guidelines during trips abroad.
Conclusion
The UK government’s travel health alert for Cape Verde highlights the importance of hygiene, food safety, and medical awareness while travelling overseas. Although most visitors recover from stomach infections quickly, the recent deaths underline the potential seriousness of travel-related illnesses.
Holidaymakers planning trips to Cape Verde are encouraged to follow official health advice and stay informed to ensure safe and enjoyable travel experiences.
