Cape Verde Stands Firm Against Shigella Outbreak Claims as Traveler Cases Persist

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Hundreds of Infections Traced to Resort Stays (Image Credits: Unsplash)

Cape Verde – Health authorities in the island nation maintained that no outbreak of Shigella infections occurred locally, even as cases continued to appear among international visitors returning home.[1] Officials emphasized ongoing surveillance efforts in response to reports from Europe, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The situation highlighted tensions between local assessments and global health alerts tied to popular resort areas.

Hundreds of Infections Traced to Resort Stays

Reports surfaced of more than 1,000 confirmed and possible gastrointestinal illnesses among travelers who visited Cape Verde since September 2022.[2] Laboratory tests frequently identified Shigella sonnei, a strain linked to an ongoing cluster, alongside Salmonella and other pathogens like Campylobacter and Giardia.[3] Most affected individuals had stayed in the Santa Maria region on Sal island or Boa Vista, often at all-inclusive resorts from the same hotel chain.

By March 2026, 766 Shigella cases had been documented across 13 European Union countries, the UK, and the US, with new infections still emerging.[2] The UK reported the highest number at 263, followed by Sweden with 120 and Germany with 92. Health agencies noted persistent strains, suggesting repeated exposure rather than isolated incidents. Over 300 additional cases involved other gut infections during the same period.

Understanding Shigella and Its Spread

Shigella causes shigellosis, a bacterial infection leading to diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps, typically spread through contaminated food or water. The pathogen thrives in areas with poor sanitation, though resorts often maintain high standards. Travelers faced risks from unwashed produce, ice, or inadequately handled ready-to-eat items. Symptoms appeared shortly after visits, prompting investigations into potential sources like irrigation water for hotel supplies.

Previous clusters emerged in 2022-2023 and 2025, with laboratory confirmation of the same outbreak strain in returning visitors.[2] Experts pointed to fecal-oral transmission, urging vigilance in hygiene practices. While severe cases remained rare, vulnerable groups such as the elderly reported complications, including hospitalizations.

Cape Verde’s Vigilant Response

Authorities activated their epidemiological surveillance system to track potential cases within the country.[1] They coordinated closely with international health bodies, tourism operators, and local hotels to review protocols. Officials found no evidence of widespread local transmission, describing infections as sporadic and within normal seasonal levels. The Ministry of Health called external warnings disproportionate and alarmist, stressing that travel timing alone did not prove causation.[3]

Testing revealed Shigella in some environmental samples, such as water used for fresh produce on Sal and Boa Vista, but no full-scale outbreak materialized locally. Government statements reassured visitors of robust health measures in place. Tourism leaders highlighted the nation’s appeal as a safe destination despite the concerns.

Global Agencies Issue Travel Precautions

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control assessed a moderate risk of new infections in Santa Maria.[3] It advised against raw salads, unpeeled fruits, and ice while promoting bottled or boiled water. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention echoed similar guidance for Santa Maria and Boa Vista resorts. UK health officials linked 95% of recent Shigella cases to Cape Verde trips since October 2025.

Investigations continued without pinpointing a single source, though food and water emerged as likely vectors. Public health teams sequenced isolates to match traveler cases with known strains. Recommendations targeted heightened awareness among clinicians treating returnees.

Key Prevention Steps for Travelers

Visitors could minimize risks through simple habits amid the alerts.

• Wash hands thoroughly with soap before eating and after toilet use.
• Opt for hot, freshly cooked foods; avoid buffets with lukewarm items.
• Drink only sealed bottled water or boiled tap water; skip ice in drinks.
• Peel fruits yourself and steer clear of raw salads or street vendor fare.
• Seek prompt medical care for persistent diarrhea or fever upon return.

As Cape Verde balanced tourism recovery with health transparency, the focus shifted to collaborative source-tracing and prevention. Travelers weighed the paradise beaches against manageable risks. What do you think about the situation? Tell us in the comments.