Quick Read
- A seventh British tourist has died following a severe gastric illness contracted at a resort in Cape Verde.
- Local authorities confirmed the presence of shigella bacteria in irrigation water and produce, though they stopped short of declaring an official outbreak.
- Legal representatives are currently supporting over 1,700 UK holidaymakers who have reported falling ill in the country since 2022.
A seventh British tourist has died following a severe gastric illness contracted during a holiday in Cape Verde, reigniting urgent concerns regarding public health safety at the archipelago’s luxury resorts. The latest fatality, a man in his 50s who fell ill during a stay at the five-star Riu Palace Santa Maria on the island of Sal, marks the seventh such death of a British national since January 2023.
Rising Fatalities and Resort Hygiene Concerns
The victim’s wife reported that her husband began suffering from symptoms including severe abdominal cramping, vomiting, and diarrhea just two days into their all-inclusive holiday in August 2025. Despite returning to the United Kingdom, his health continued to decline until his death in November. This incident follows a series of similar tragedies involving guests at various Riu-branded resorts in Sal and Boa Vista, prompting families to seek legal representation through the firm Irwin Mitchell. Over 1,700 UK tourists have reportedly contacted the firm regarding illnesses contracted on the islands since 2022.
Official Investigation and Bacterial Findings
Cape Verdean authorities have acknowledged the presence of shigella bacteria in irrigation water and fresh produce on the islands of Sal and Boa Vista. Following a public health investigation that analyzed 156 samples—ranging from drinking water to food-handling surfaces—officials confirmed the bacterial contamination. However, authorities maintained that the positive samples remained within established surveillance parameters and did not officially declare an outbreak. In response to the findings, the government has mandated that businesses strengthen disinfection protocols throughout the food supply chain and intensify health inspections.
Legal Liability and Traveler Safety
Legal experts representing the affected families argue that the recurring nature of these illnesses points to systemic failures in hygiene management at major holiday complexes. Jatinder Paul, a serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, emphasized that shigella is highly contagious and can lead to life-altering complications. He warned travelers that gastric illness should not be underestimated and advised those planning trips to adhere strictly to safety precautions, such as consuming only piping hot, fully cooked meals and avoiding raw vegetables or salads that may have been washed in contaminated water. The ongoing legal actions against tour operators, including TUI, focus on the responsibility of travel agencies to ensure the safety of their clients in high-end, all-inclusive settings.
The consistent reports of severe illness across multiple luxury properties suggest that despite government-led inspections, current hygiene measures may be failing to mitigate the risks associated with the islands’ water and food supply chains, putting the sustainability of Cape Verde’s tourism-reliant economy at significant risk.