Cape Verdean officials have issued assurances that the country remains a safe and prepared travel destination despite recent reports linking 118 cases of Shigella and 43 cases of Salmonella to the islands since October 1, 2025, insisting there is no Shigella outbreak.
Four English travellers died after falling ill post-visit, with health agencies noting 118 shigella and 43 salmonella cases over five months.
Officials emphasise their commitment to health standards and transparency, advising precautions against traveller’s diarrhoea.
The Cape Verdean government stated there is “no declared Shigella outbreak” within its territory and that it has not received formal notification from the UK identifying the islands as the definitive origin.
Minister of Tourism José Luis Sá Nogueira emphasized that the country maintains “active and coordinated health surveillance systems” and remains committed to high standards of health protection.
Officials noted that given the high volume of English tourists ton the island (nearly 1m in 2024), these cases represent a “small occurrence” rather than a sustained epidemiological pattern.
Health Alerts and Investigation
- Warnings: Health agencies issued warnings after identifying these clusters, primarily among travellers returning from the Santa Maria (Sal Island) and Boa Vista areas.
- Recent Fatalities: The alert follows reports that four British nationals died in 2025 after contracting gastric illnesses while on holiday in Cape Verde.
- Potential Causes: Experts suggest that infrastructure damage from Hurricane Erin in 2024 may have affected water and sanitation systems. Risks are often associated with buffet-style catering, local swimming pools, and contaminated water sources.
Advice for Travellers
- Health authorities, including recommend several precautions to minimize risk:
- Hand Hygiene: Wash hands regularly with soap and water, especially before eating and after using the toilet.
- Food Safety: Only eat food that is freshly prepared, thoroughly cooked, and served piping hot. Avoid salads or fruit you haven’t peeled yourself.
- Water Safety: Drink only bottled or boiled water, and avoid ice in drinks.
