A significant health warning has been issued to British travellers following confirmation that four UK citizens, including a mother from Birmingham, have died within a four-month period after contracting severe gastric illnesses while holidaying in Cape Verde.
UKHSA Investigation Reveals Alarming Findings
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) announced today, February 5, that their investigation has identified multiple cases of shigella and salmonella infections directly linked to travel to the West African island nation. These findings have prompted urgent public health advice for those considering winter sun holidays.
Shigella Cases Overwhelmingly Linked to Cape Verde
Investigators determined that of the 118 shigella cases reported since October 1 and connected to international travel, approximately 112 individuals (representing 95 percent) had visited Cape Verde. The majority of affected British tourists had stayed in the popular Santa Maria and Boa Vista resort areas.
Salmonella Clusters Also Identified
The UKHSA has additionally identified a concerning rise in salmonella cases among travellers returning from the holiday destination. Since October 1, a total of 43 salmonella cases from three separate clusters have been genetically linked to Cape Verde travel through whole genome sequencing techniques.
Expert Health Advice for Travellers
Dr Gauri Godbole, deputy director for gastrointestinal infections and food safety at the UKHSA, emphasised the importance of preventive measures during the popular winter holiday season. "Taking a few simple precautions against traveller's diarrhoea and food poisoning can make all the difference," she stated.
The agency recommends several key protective measures:
- Regular and thorough hand washing with soap and water or alcohol gel
- Particular attention to hygiene after using toilet facilities and before handling food
- Adequate hydration and consideration of oral rehydration salts when travelling
- Seeking medical advice if symptoms worsen or for those with underlying conditions
"Most episodes of traveller's diarrhoea are short-lived, lasting for a few days," Dr Godbole noted. "However, it is crucial to prevent dehydration, particularly for vulnerable groups including young children, pregnant women, elderly people, and those with pre-existing medical conditions."
Family Tragedy Highlights Concerns
Among those who tragically lost their lives was Elena Walsh, a 64-year-old mother from Kings Heath, Birmingham. Her husband Patrick has shared distressing details about their holiday experience, raising serious concerns about hygiene standards at their accommodation.
Patrick Walsh described how his wife of nearly four decades became severely ill during what was meant to be a celebratory family holiday. "Elena was the heart and soul of our family," he said. "In the nearly 40 years we'd been together, I'd never seen Elena so poorly."
Allegations of Poor Hygiene Standards
The grieving husband alleged multiple hygiene issues at their hotel, including food served lukewarm and apparently undercooked. "The food was often lukewarm, the cheese on the pizza was not melted properly and seemed undercooked," he reported. "On one night my son mentioned that the chicken tasted funny, so he stopped eating it."
Patrick also expressed concerns about sanitation practices, noting that "people would stand in the pool bar for the whole day without going to the toilet facilities at the hotel."
Chaotic Medical Response
According to Patrick, the medical care his wife received during her illness was "chaotic," with the family feeling "in the dark around what was happening despite asking for updates." After hours of treatment attempts, medical staff suddenly informed them that Elena's organs were failing and nothing more could be done.
"We're absolutely devastated by Elena's death," Patrick said. "It has absolutely broken us as a family and one of the hardest things to try to come to terms with is the sudden and distressing way in which we lost her while we were supposed to be enjoying a family holiday."
Legal Representation for Affected Families
Irwin Mitchell solicitors are currently representing the families of six people who have died after contracting severe gastric illnesses in Cape Verde, along with more than 1,500 individuals who have fallen ill after visiting the islands.
Patrick Walsh emphasised the family's desire for answers and prevention: "The least we feel we deserve is answers, not just for our family, but if Elena did fall ill, and die, because of the hygiene conditions at the hotel, we can then help try and prevent other families from going through the same horrific ordeal we have endured."
The UKHSA continues to monitor the situation closely and advises all travellers to follow recommended hygiene practices while abroad, particularly in destinations where gastrointestinal infections have been identified.
