(DDM) – The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a travel advisory for visitors to Cabo Verde following a surge in gastrointestinal infections linked to trips to the West African island nation.
Reports indicate that over the past four months, more than 200 British tourists have fallen ill after staying at resorts in Cabo Verde. The illnesses have been traced to 158 confirmed cases of Shigella and 43 cases of Salmonella, both highly contagious bacterial infections that affect the digestive system.
The advisory comes ahead of the February half-term break, a period when British holidaymakers traditionally travel to warm winter destinations. Dr. Gauri Godbole, UKHSA’s deputy director for gastrointestinal infections and food safety, emphasized the need for travellers to exercise caution to avoid contracting these infections.
She said, “February is a popular time for winter sun holidays and we want to help families make the most of their breaks by staying healthy. Taking a few simple precautions against traveller’s diarrhoea and food poisoning can make all the difference.”
Tragically, there have been fatalities associated with these outbreaks. Four of six British citizens who died since January 2023 were linked to holiday packages sold by TUI and stayed at RIU hotels. The deceased include Mark Ashley, 55, from Bedfordshire; Elena Walsh, 64, from Birmingham; Karen Pooley, 64, from Gloucestershire; and a 56-year-old man from Watford. Their deaths underscore the seriousness of the infections and the importance of observing health guidelines while travelling.
The UKHSA provided essential recommendations to minimize the risk of infection. Travellers are advised to consume freshly prepared, fully cooked, and piping hot foods; avoid drinking ice in beverages; drink only bottled or boiled water; peel fruits themselves before consumption; and avoid salads that may have been washed in contaminated water.
Additionally, maintaining rigorous hand hygiene, particularly after using the toilet, changing nappies, and before handling food, is strongly recommended to prevent both contracting and spreading infections.
Gastrointestinal infections, often referred to as stomach bugs or stomach flu, can cause symptoms including watery diarrhoea, abdominal cramping, vomiting, and sometimes fever. While most cases resolve within one to two days, the infection remains contagious for up to two weeks. Norovirus is the most common cause, alongside Rotavirus and Adenovirus, and can affect anyone, though children under five, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable.
A primary concern of gastroenteritis is dehydration, which occurs due to fluid loss from diarrhoea and vomiting. Untreated dehydration can lead to serious complications, including organ damage, shock, coma, or even death. Travellers are advised to stay hydrated and replace lost electrolytes to mitigate these risks.
UKHSA’s advisory serves as a cautionary note for those planning holidays to Cabo Verde, encouraging vigilance in food and water consumption, hygiene practices, and prompt attention to any gastrointestinal symptoms. Travelers are also encouraged to seek medical care immediately if severe symptoms develop.
This outbreak highlights the importance of health monitoring for international destinations, especially during peak travel periods, and the critical role of public awareness in preventing the spread of infectious diseases.
Key points to note:
Over 200 British tourists fell ill in Cabo Verde within four months.
158 cases of Shigella and 43 of Salmonella reported.
Four fatalities linked to holiday packages at RIU hotels.
Travellers advised to eat freshly cooked food, drink bottled water, and maintain hand hygiene.
Children, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals are at highest risk.
Dehydration is the most serious complication of gastroenteritis.
The advisory aims to ensure tourists can enjoy their trips safely while minimizing the risk of serious illness.
