Cape Verde Holiday Illness Spike Prompts Urgent Travel Warnings
The grieving families of British tourists who died following holidays in Cape Verde have issued stark warnings to prospective travellers, urging comprehensive research and adequate insurance as UK health authorities investigate a significant spike in serious illnesses linked to the destination.
Tragic Losses Prompt Family Appeals
Four British tourists died between October and December last year after falling ill following visits to the popular winter sun destination off the West African coast. Among them was 64-year-old Karen Pooley from Gloucestershire, who became ill during a two-week break last October.
Her sister-in-law, Kim Price, told Sky News that Karen "lived the last few days on this Earth in agony" after slipping in her hotel room and breaking her leg during her illness. Following four days in a local clinic, she was flown to Tenerife for further treatment, where she died the next day.
"We are heartbroken. We still can't get over it," Ms Price said. "I am angry and I want to make sure it doesn't happen to anyone else."
Karen's older brother, Keith Price, added his voice to the warning: "One person [dying] is too many. If it goes on the way it is going, how many more are going to suffer? I would urge people to think before you book. If you do think about going, do a lot of research and make sure you have adequate insurance."
Growing Number of Affected Tourists
This week alone, 200 more tourists have come forward to report serious illnesses after travelling to Cape Verde, bringing the total number of people taking legal action against holiday firm TUI to 1,700. Lawyers acting for holidaymakers confirmed the additional cases, highlighting the scale of the ongoing health concerns.
Jatinder Paul, a serious injury lawyer from Irwin Mitchell, stated: "We continue to be contacted by more people who have reported being struck down by serious illnesses after travelling to Cape Verde. The first-hand accounts of their symptoms and how they say their holidays have been ruined are all too familiar and worrying."
He emphasised that "the effects of gastric illness should never be downplayed as symptoms can lead to life-long and debilitating complications and even death."
UK Health Security Agency Findings
New data from the UK Health Security Agency reveals concerning patterns in illness cases linked to Cape Verde travel. While cases of the stomach bug shigella are now falling after an autumn spike, incidents of salmonella continue to rise among returning travellers.
Lead epidemiologist Hannah Charles reported that 158 cases have been linked to this outbreak since October 2025, with at least 112 of these individuals having travelled to Cape Verde in the week before becoming unwell.
"It's really good to see from the data that the number of new cases per week has been declining, which does indicate that the outbreak is slowing down," Ms Charles said. "But the latest figures highlight an increase in cases of salmonella that are also associated with travel to Cape Verde."
Practical Health Advice for Travellers
The UKHSA has issued specific guidance for those considering travel to the region, emphasising that they are not advising against travel but urging precautionary measures:
- Choose food that is freshly prepared and piping hot
- Avoid salads and raw fruits and vegetables that may have been washed with unsafe water
- Drink bottled water and avoid ice in drinks
- Always thoroughly wash hands before eating
"We're not saying 'don't travel to Cape Verde,'" Ms Charles clarified. "But it's our responsibility to make sure that people are aware of the risks and we provide information on how people can reduce their risk and ultimately stay well and enjoy their holiday."
Official Responses and Legal Proceedings
TUI did not respond to a request for comment on the latest developments, though the company has previously stated it is fully investigating the claims and ensures any customers who fall ill while on holiday have access to appropriate care and assistance.
The Cape Verde government issued a statement this week maintaining that it remains "one of the safest countries in Africa in terms of health" and welcomes approximately one million visitors annually. The government described recent cases as "representing, in statistical terms, a residual occurrence, not evidencing any sustained epidemiological pattern nor any alteration in the national health profile."
Regarding the legal actions, the statement added: "These are legal proceedings directed at private entities. The Ministry of Health does not accept that individual allegations, presented in foreign forums, be generalised or used to undermine the national health system and the country's good image."
As legal proceedings continue and health investigations progress, affected families and health authorities maintain their focus on preventing further tragedies through increased awareness and precautionary measures for travellers.
