Cape Verde bug deaths claim: Experts give advice

The deaths of British tourists within months of contracting stomach bugs on Cape Verde has raised questions about the safety of visiting the island.

Mark Ashley, 55, of Bedfordshire, Elena Walsh, 64, from Birmingham, Karen Pooley, 64, of Gloucestershire, and a 56-year-old man from Watford all died last year after contracting gastric illnesses while on the islands off the west African coast.

They are four of six Britons who have died after holidays there since January 2023.

With lawyers claiming more than 1,500 people have reported falling ill after visiting the country, we asked experts what travellers could do to minimise the risk of infection.

Since December, the UK Health Security Agency has been investigating reports of Shigella sonnei, a diarrhoeal illness.

Between 1 October and 22 December 2025, there were 137 confirmed UK cases, with 109 having recently travelled to Cape Verde.

The bacteria can cause severe diarrhoea, fever and stomach cramps.

Brendan Wren, professor of microbial pathogenesis at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), told the BBC more than 800 people had been affected in the last three years.

It is spread through contact with contaminated faeces, either person-to-person or indirectly from food, water or surfaces.

In August 2025, Hurricane Erin damaged water and sanitation networks in Cape Verde.

The World Health Organization warned it could lead to water contamination with various bacteria.

Wren said: "Outbreaks of shigellosis have been occurring in quality hotels on Cape Verde for the past three 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 boreholes, is a possible source."

He advised travellers to

• only drink boiled or bottled water
• avoid eating washed salads
• regularly wash hands

Dr Damien Tully, associate professor in bioinformatics at LSHTM, said outbreaks of Shigella sonnei were "not unusual, particularly in busy hospitality settings where large numbers of people are eating and sharing facilities".

He said buffet-style catering can increase the risk and be a "breeding ground" for bacteria and viruses.

Tully also warned travellers not to rely on hand sanitisers, as washing hands with warm, soapy water is better.

He advised against having ice in drinks.

Lawyers from Irwin Mitchell are making personal injury claims against travel operator Tui following the deaths.

Tui has been contacted for comment.

The firm has previously said it was investigating the claims and providing support to travellers who reported feeling unwell.

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