UKHSA is urging individuals to take precautions
Greater than a thousand individuals have reported falling sick (Picture: Gilnature by way of Getty Photographs)
The UK Well being Safety Company (UKHSA) has confirmed it’s investigating after a number of British holidaymakers died following extreme abdomen diseases.
The Authorities physique introduced on Tuesday that a variety of circumstances have now emerged throughout the UK.
Six Brits have misplaced their lives after taking holidays in Cape Verde since January 2023, legal professionals have mentioned. Most not too long ago, 4 of those deaths occurred inside only a four-month span between August and November 2025.
Regulation agency Irwin Mitchell is appearing for over 1,500 extra vacationers who reported changing into gravely unwell following journeys to the islands.
The UKHSA issued a brand new alert on X, beforehand Twitter, this morning: “We’re presently investigating Shigella circumstances linked to journey to Cape Verde. Common handwashing with cleaning soap and water (particularly after the bathroom, altering nappies, and earlier than dealing with meals) is the easiest way to stop the micro organism from spreading.”
Info in an accompanying graphic provides: “Most individuals affected had travelled to Cape Verde, primarily staying at accommodations within the Santa Maria and Boa Vista areas.
“Shigella may cause watery and bloody diarrhoea, abdomen cramps and fever. It may be caught from contaminated meals or water, usually linked to abroad journey, however will also be transmitted after intercourse.”
We’re present investigating Shigella circumstances linked to journey to Cape Verde. Common handwashing with cleaning soap and water (particularly after the bathroom, altering nappies, and earlier than dealing with meals) is the easiest way to stop the micro organism from spreading. pic.twitter.com/FYEmMaf7Nz
— UK Well being Safety Company (@UKHSA) February 2, 2026
Between October 1 and December 22 2025, there have been 137 confirmed UK circumstances, exterior, with 109 having not too long ago travelled to Cape Verde. Brendan Wren, professor of microbial pathogenesis on the London Faculty of Hygiene and Tropical Drugs (LSHTM), instructed the BBC greater than 800 individuals had been affected within the final three years.
Prof Wren mentioned: “Outbreaks of shigellosis have been occurring in high quality accommodations on Cape Verde for the previous three years, with over 800 individuals affected. The Shigella micro organism that trigger illness do not simply trigger nasty diarrhoea; there could be life-threatening issues, notably for the immunocompromised.
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“The supply of the outbreaks continues to be unknown, and it’s as much as native authorities and tour operators to undertake a full investigation. Water, maybe from contaminated boreholes, is a doable supply.”
He suggested travellers to recurrently wash fingers, to drink boiled or bottled water, and to keep away from consuming washed salads.
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