Health Alert: Cape Verde Travel and Stomach Bug Outbreaks
A recent health warning has been issued regarding travel to Cape Verde, highlighting the risks of severe gastrointestinal infections, particularly from Shigella and Salmonella bacteria. These bacterial infections can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, and can lead to life-threatening complications for vulnerable individuals.
The bacteria are spread through contact with contaminated feces, either directly through person-to-person transmission or indirectly from unclean food, water, or surfaces. To prevent these infections, travelers are advised to take several precautions, including:
- Eating freshly prepared, fully cooked, and piping hot food.
- Drinking bottled or boiled water and avoiding ice in drinks.
- Using bottled or boiled water when brushing teeth.
- Consuming only peeled fruit.
- Avoiding salads that may not have been washed in clean water.
Dr. Gauri Godbole, the UKHSA's deputy director for gastrointestinal infections and food safety, emphasizes the importance of these precautions, stating, 'Taking a few simple precautions against traveler's diarrhea and food poisoning can make all the difference.'
Regular and thorough handwashing with soap and water or alcohol gel is recommended, especially after using the toilet, changing nappies, and before eating or preparing food. This simple practice is the best way to avoid gastrointestinal infections and prevent their spread.
The UKHSA has reported that the majority of Shigella cases have been among individuals who visited the Santa Maria and Boa Vista areas of Cape Verde. These areas are popular tourist destinations, with Santa Maria being a resort town on Sal Island and Boa Vista being the most easterly island in the archipelago. The typical February temperatures in Cape Verde are around 25°C.
Dr. Damien Tully, an associate professor at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, notes that outbreaks of Shigella are not uncommon, especially in busy hospitality settings where large numbers of people eat and share facilities. Buffet-style catering can increase the risk and serve as a breeding ground for bacteria and viruses.
Tragically, four British citizens, Mark Ashley, Elena Walsh, Karen Pooley, and a 56-year-old man from Watford, died last year after contracting stomach bugs while in Cape Verde. Their families are now making personal injury claims against the package holiday firm Tui, which has been investigating the claims but declined to comment further while legal proceedings are ongoing.
Additionally, Cape Verde experienced the impact of Hurricane Erin in August, which damaged water and sanitation infrastructure. The World Health Organization assessed that there was a heightened risk of disease from contaminated water and carrier insects in the aftermath of the hurricane.
