Cape Verde Stomach Bug Deaths: NHS Treating Brit Tourists as Families Seek Answers After Four Die

At least four British tourists have died after falling seriously ill during or shortly after holidays in Cape Verde, amid a wider outbreak of bacterial stomach infections that has affected hundreds of UK travellers.

The deaths occurred between August and November 2025, with returning holidaymakers requiring treatment from the National Health Service (NHS) after developing severe gastrointestinal symptoms. Health authorities are monitoring the situation as new cases continue to be identified among people who recently travelled to the islands.

Families of those who died say they want clarity about hygiene standards at resorts and the medical care available to tourists, amid concerns about how the outbreak was handled locally and communicated to travellers.

Deaths Linked To Cape Verde Illness

The four British nationals who died had been staying at popular all-inclusive resorts in Cape Verde before becoming unwell. Families said the victims developed symptoms including diarrhoea, vomiting and fever, with conditions worsening rapidly in some cases.

Several relatives reported delays in diagnosis and treatment while their loved ones were still abroad. Some were later transferred back to the UK for further care, where they subsequently died. One hospital on the islands was described by a visitor as being under severe strain due to the number of patients presenting with acute gastric illness.

The deaths form part of a wider cluster of serious illnesses linked to travel to Cape Verde over recent months, according to UK health surveillance data.

NHS Treating Returning Travellers

Doctors in the UK have been advised to consider food- and water-borne infections when treating patients returning from Cape Verde with gastrointestinal symptoms. The NHS has reported a rise in confirmed cases of shigella and other bacterial infections among recent travellers.

Public health monitoring has identified hundreds of shigella cases associated with recent travel to Cape Verde. Symptoms can range from mild stomach upset to severe illness requiring hospital care, particularly in older adults and those with underlying health conditions.

Shigella infection is commonly spread through contaminated food or water and can cause diarrhoea, fever and abdominal pain. In rare cases, complications such as dehydration or sepsis can occur.

Families Seek Answers And Accountability

Families of those who died, along with hundreds of other affected travellers, are now pursuing legal advice. Law firms acting on their behalf allege that poor sanitation, inadequate food hygiene and unsafe water supplies at some resort properties may have contributed to the outbreak.

Relatives have also criticised the lack of clear warnings before travel and questioned whether tour operators and local authorities did enough to alert holidaymakers once cases began to emerge. The situation has prompted wider discussion about travel health advice and resort safety standards.

Travel Advice And Health Guidance

Public health officials continue to advise travellers to Cape Verde to follow strict food and water safety measures, including avoiding untreated water, ice and raw foods. Anyone who develops severe symptoms after returning from abroad is urged to seek medical attention and inform clinicians of recent travel.

While no further deaths have been confirmed, investigations into the outbreak are ongoing. Health authorities say monitoring will continue as officials assess measures aimed at preventing similar incidents in future.