London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine

The news that four British tourists died last year after contracting stomach bugs while visiting Cape Verde has led to concerns about the safety of visitors to the island.

The deaths are thought to be linked to Shigella sonnei, bacteria which can cause severe diarrhoea, fever and stomach cramps, and in rare cases can lead to life-threatening complications. Shigella is the most common cause of dysentery in the UK.

The UK Health Security Agency is investigating after there were 109 reported cases of Shigella sonnei between 1 October and 22 December 2025 among Britons recently returned from Cape Verde. So far the source of the current outbreak is unknown.

Dr Damien Tully, Associate Professor at the Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (MRC/UVRI and LSHTM), said:

“Most stomach illnesses acquired while travelling are caused by viruses or bacteria transmitted through contaminated food, water or poor hand hygiene. The outbreaks in Cape Verde appear to be caused by a gastrointestinal bacteria called Shigella sonnei. Shigella spreads through contact with faecal contamination, either directly from person to person or indirectly via contaminated food, water, or surfaces.

“Buffet- style catering can increase the risk for food-borne illness and be a breeding ground for bacteria and viruses. The key risk factors are time, temperature and touch. If food is left too long in the so called “Danger Zone” (5-60 °C), bacteria can multiple rapidly. Improper temperature control where hot foods are not kept hot enough and cold foods not kept cold enough create thriving conditions for bacteria to grow. Poor hand hygiene and improper food handling can also contaminate surfaces particularly shared serving utensils.

“To reduce the risks of getting sick while travelling good hygiene practices are essential. Hands should be washed thoroughly with soap and warm water, especially after using the restrooms and before eating. While hand sanitizers can be useful they do not eliminate all microbes and highly contagious viruses such as norovirus are particularly resistant to them. Where there is no local clean water supply drink only bottled or boiled tap water and avoid ice in your drinks.”

Professor Brendan Wren of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), said:

“Outbreaks of Shigellosis has been occurring in quality hotels on Cape Verde for the past 3 years with over 800 people affected. The Shigella bacteria that cause disease don’t just cause nasty diarrhoea, there can be life-threatening complications, particularly for the immunocompromised.

“The source of the outbreaks is still unknown, and it is up to local authorities and tour operators to undertake a full investigation. Water, perhaps from contaminated bore holes, is a possible source.

“It is recommended to only drink boiled or bottled water, avoid eating washed salads and regularly wash hands as in COVID times, since Shigella bacteria can be highly transmissible.”