A health warning has been issued for travellers to Cape Verde, following the tragic deaths of several individuals from stomach infections. The culprits? Shigella and Salmonella, two notorious bacterial infections that can wreak havoc on the gut. While many recover fully, these infections can be particularly dangerous for vulnerable groups like young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with pre-existing health conditions or weakened immune systems.
But here's where it gets controversial: these bacteria are spread through contact with contaminated faeces, which can occur directly through person-to-person transmission or indirectly through unclean food, water, or surfaces.
So, what can travellers do to protect themselves? The UKHSA has some simple yet effective advice:
- Opt for freshly prepared, fully cooked, and piping hot food.
- Stick to bottled or boiled water, and steer clear of ice in drinks.
- Brush your teeth with bottled or boiled water.
- Eat only fruit you've peeled yourself.
- Avoid salads that might not have been washed in clean water.
Dr Gauri Godbole, the UKHSA's deputy director for gastrointestinal infections and food safety, emphasizes the importance of these precautions: "Taking a few simple steps can make a huge difference in preventing traveller's diarrhoea and food poisoning."
And this is the part most people miss: the best way to avoid gastrointestinal infections like Shigella and Salmonella, and to prevent their spread, is through regular and thorough handwashing with soap and water or alcohol gel. This is especially crucial after using the toilet, changing nappies, and before eating or preparing food.
The UKHSA reports that most Shigella cases have been linked to the Santa Maria and Boa Vista areas of Cape Verde. Santa Maria is a resort town on Sal Island, while Boa Vista is the cape's easternmost island. With temperatures around 25C in February, it's a popular destination for holidaymakers.
Dr Damien Tully, an associate professor at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, sheds light on the situation: "Outbreaks of Shigella are not unusual, particularly in busy hospitality settings where large numbers of people are eating and sharing facilities." He warns that buffet-style catering can increase the risk, acting as a "breeding ground" for bacteria and viruses.
Tragically, several British tourists have lost their lives after contracting stomach infections in Cape Verde. Mark Ashley, 55, from Bedfordshire, Elena Walsh, 64, from Birmingham, Karen Pooley, 64, from Gloucestershire, and a 56-year-old man from Watford all passed away last year. They are four of six Britons who died after holidaying in Cape Verde since January 2023, and their families are now taking legal action against package holiday firm Tui.
Ashley's wife, Emma, raised concerns about the hygiene standards at their resort on Sal. Similarly, Sean Walsh, Elena's son, expressed worries about the hygiene at their hotel.
Tui has stated that they are investigating these claims but declined to comment further due to ongoing legal proceedings.
Cape Verde faced a challenge last August when Hurricane Erin struck, damaging water and sanitation infrastructure. In the aftermath, the World Health Organization warned of an increased risk of disease from contaminated water and carrier insects.
This situation highlights the importance of travel health advice and the need for travellers to be vigilant about their health and hygiene practices when visiting new destinations.
What are your thoughts on this? Do you think travel health warnings are effective in preventing such tragedies? Share your opinions in the comments below!
