All-inclusive hotels linked to shigellosis cases in Cape Verde

At Holiday Claims Bureau we keep an eye on all of the emerging illnesses at the holiday destinations that our clients typically travel to. We’d like to caution travellers taking holidays to Cape Verde to be aware of the recent increase in shigellosis cases in the region. The Foreign Office updated its travel advice to Cape Verde on 2 March 2023, citing concerns about the spread of the shigella bacteria.

Shigella infection can lead to symptoms such as diarrhoea, fever, and stomach cramps. It’s typically spread through contaminated food and water sources, as well as from person to person.

If you have been affected by the outbreak of a holiday illness, we encourage you to get in touch with expert, specialist solicitors who are ready and able to assist you in receiving compensation. Contact Holiday Claims Bureau now on 0161 813 2131 or you can start your claim immediately online by filling out our online form.

According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, by 16 February 2023, 221 confirmed and 37 possible infections by Shigella sonnei were reported in 10 EU/EEA countries, the UK and the US, all with a travel history to Cape Verde.

The source of infection is still unknown but Cape Verde is conducting investigations. The infection could be transmitted in different ways, but the most probable one is through contaminated food, especially if handled by infected people. Another possibility is transmission from person to person.

According to the available data, many of the infected people had stayed in hotels that offer all-inclusive packages. Worryingly, the Shigella sonnei strain involved in this outbreak shows likely resistance to trimethoprim and streptomycin, and some cases have also shown resistance to multiple drugs.

To prevent being infected by shigella, you can take the following preventive steps: 

• Wash hands frequently with soap and water
• Avoid raw or undercooked food and food from street vendors. Look out for food with flies on it. 
• Drink bottled or treated water, avoid tap water and ice
• Use hand sanitisers or wipes when soap and water are not available
• Ensure hotel food is cooked thoroughly and not left out for long.
• Seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms and mention recent travel to a high-risk area.

Have you been affected? 

In the unfortunate event that your package holiday has been affected by an illness caused by hygiene failings or holiday provider negligence, you may be eligible to receive compensation. Holiday Claims Bureau is dedicated to providing excellent service to our traveller clients and has a proven track record of success in these types of cases. 

Holiday Claims Bureau have a strong track record for winning compensation claims for travellers who suffered from gastric illnesses as a consequence of shingella infections.To strengthen your claim you can follow the following steps: 

• Seek medical attention and retain any doctor’s notes.
• Report your illness to the tour representative or operator and request a copy of the report.
• Record and report any concerns about hygiene at the hotel.
• Keep receipts for any expenses related to your illness.
• Contact the Holiday Claims Bureau for legal advice and assistance with pursuing a claim for compensation.

Our specialist team is available to speak with you today at 0161 813 2131 or you can reach out to us online. If you are ready to start your claim, you can use our contact form. We operate on a No Win, No Fee basis and are committed to helping you receive the compensation that you deserve for any damages and losses you may have experienced during your package holiday.