Health Investigation in Cape Verde Brings New Concerns for UK Holidaymakers

An investigation first brought to light by The Sunday Times has uncovered troubling developments surrounding a series of illnesses affecting British tourists in Cape Verde raising fresh concerns about holiday safety and potential grounds for compensation.

The newspaper revealed that four British tourists tragically died after falling ill during a TUI holiday in Cape Verde. The report prompted further scrutiny and encouraged more families to come forward.

Following the publication, a family from the north east of England shared their own devastating experience. They lost a loved one, a 52-year-old retired firefighter, who became ill while in Cape Verde and sadly passed away in November. The similarities between his symptoms and those detailed in the investigation have raised serious concerns that his death may also be linked to the same outbreak.

Contaminated Water and Ongoing Illness Reports

Authorities in Cape Verde have since launched an official investigation. Early findings revealed that water used to wash food tested positive for shigella, a harmful bacterium known to cause severe gastrointestinal illness.

This aligns with wider reports of illness across the islands. At Holiday Claims Bureau we have represetned and continue to represent scores of British holidaymakers affected by outbreaks of illness across multiple resorts across Cape Verde, including:

• RIU Touareg
• Melia Dunas
• RIU Funana
• RIU Karamboa
• Sol Dunas
• RIU Cabo Verde
• RIU Palace
• Crioula Club Hotel & Resort

Outbreaks involving shigella, salmonella and E. coli have affected hundreds of holidaymakers in recent years, with over 220 confirmed cases linked to hotels in Cape Verde in 2024 alone.

Symptoms of these infections can include:

• Severe diarrhoea (sometimes bloody)
• Stomach cramps
• Fever
• Nausea and vomiting

In more serious cases, particularly among vulnerable individuals, these illnesses can become life-threatening.

A Pattern of Hygiene Concerns at Cape Verde Resorts

Reports of illness are not isolated. Multiple hotels across Cape Verde have been linked to outbreaks and hygiene concerns, with holidaymakers reporting food contamination, poor sanitation, and unsafe preparation practices.

These issues highlight a broader pattern that raises questions about whether adequate health and safety standards are consistently maintained at some resorts.

What This Means for Affected Holidaymakers in Cape Verde

When illness is caused by poor hygiene or unsafe food handling at a hotel, holidaymakers may be entitled to claim compensation, particularly if the trip  was booked as part of a package holiday.

At Holiday Claims Bureau, our team of expert holiday illness solicitors specialise in supporting holidaymakers affected by illness abroad and offer a straightforward claims process on a No Win, No Fee basis.

If you were affected, key steps to strengthen a potential claim include:

• Seeking medical attention and keeping records
• Reporting the illness to your hotel or tour operator
• Keeping receipts for expenses
• Gathering evidence such as photos or witness statements
• Seeking expert legal advice as soon as possible

Importantly, you may still be able to claim if your illness occurred within the last three years.

How Holiday Claims Bureau Can Help

We have extensive experience handling Cape Verde illness cases, including those involving shigella infections and food poisoning. Their legal team works to secure compensation for:

• Pain and suffering
• Medical expenses
• Loss of earnings
• Disrupted holidays

With a proven track record of successful claims, ncluding settlements for holidaymakers affected by similar outbreaks, we are committed to holding hotels and tour operators accountable.

A Step Toward Answers and Accountability

While investigations in Cape Verde are ongoing, the discovery of contaminated water marks an important step toward understanding the cause of these illnesses. For many families, it provides long-awaited answers.

However, it also reinforces a critical message – holidaymakers should be able to trust that their health and safety are protected when travelling abroad.

Receive Expert Legal Advice Today

If your holiday in Cape Verde was affected by illness you may be entitled to compensation. For more information and to discuss a claim for yourself, or a loved one, there a variety of ways you can get in touch:

• Call 0161 813 2131 to speak directly to a solicitor today
• Complete the online contact form to request a call-back
• Message us directly via WhatsApp or
• Speak to a solicitor via our live chat service.