Daijiworld Media Network - London

London, Feb 6: The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a travel warning for Cape Verde after a spike in stomach bug cases among British holidaymakers, with at least four UK nationals reported to have died after falling ill during visits to the island nation.

Since October 1, UKHSA has identified 118 cases of shigella and 43 cases of salmonella linked to travel to the West African archipelago. While most infected individuals recovered within a week, authorities confirmed that four Britons died within months of contracting the infections while on holiday.

The advisory comes ahead of the February half-term break, a peak travel period when large numbers of British tourists are expected to visit Cape Verde, a popular winter sun destination.

Shigella and salmonella are bacterial infections affecting the gut and typically cause diarrhoea, fever and stomach cramps. Health officials warned that although many people recover fully, young children, the elderly, pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of severe or life-threatening complications.

The bacteria spread through contact with contaminated faeces, either via person-to-person transmission or through unsafe food, water or unclean surfaces. The majority of shigella cases were reported among travellers to the Santa Maria resort on Sal Island and Boa Vista island.

UKHSA has advised travellers to take precautions, including eating freshly prepared and fully cooked food, drinking bottled or boiled water, avoiding ice, using safe water for brushing teeth, peeling fruit themselves and steering clear of salads that may have been washed in contaminated water.

“Taking a few simple precautions against traveller’s diarrhoea and food poisoning can make all the difference,” said Dr Gauri Godbole, deputy director for gastrointestinal infections and food safety at UKHSA. She stressed that regular handwashing with soap or alcohol gel remains the most effective way to prevent infection.

Experts noted that such outbreaks are not uncommon in busy tourist destinations. Dr Damien Tully of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine said buffet-style catering can significantly increase the risk of infection due to shared facilities.

The four Britons who died last year have been identified as Mark Ashley (55) from Bedfordshire, Elena Walsh (64) from Birmingham, Karen Pooley (64) from Gloucestershire, and a 56-year-old man from Watford. They are among six British tourists who have died after visiting Cape Verde since January 2023. Families of the deceased have initiated personal injury claims against package holiday operator Tui, which said it is investigating the allegations but declined further comment due to ongoing legal proceedings.

Concerns have also been raised about hygiene standards at some resorts. Relatives of the deceased alleged poor sanitation at the hotels where their family members stayed.

Cape Verde’s health infrastructure suffered damage after Hurricane Erin struck the islands last August, affecting water and sanitation systems. The World Health Organization subsequently warned of an increased risk of disease from contaminated water and insects in the aftermath.