Imagine planning your dream winter getaway, only to return home with a life-threatening illness—or worse, not return at all. This is the chilling reality for some tourists who’ve recently visited Cape Verde, a West African archipelago once hailed as a sun-soaked paradise. But here’s where it gets controversial: while the destination remains popular, a surge in severe health scares has left holidaymakers furious, confused, and terrified. Is Cape Verde still safe for travel, or has it become a holiday hotspot for horror stories?
Since October 2025, over 150 people have fallen ill after visiting Cape Verde, with symptoms ranging from fever and severe diarrhea to stomach cramps. The culprit? Outbreaks of salmonella and shigella, gastrointestinal bugs linked to contaminated food, water, and surfaces. Shockingly, six British tourists have died after contracting these illnesses, leaving families devastated and demanding answers. Among the victims were Mark Ashley, 55, who passed away just weeks after returning home, and Karen Pooley, 64, whose dream holiday ended in tragedy due to a combination of gastric illness and a fractured femur.
And this is the part most people miss: the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has found that a staggering 95% of the 118 reported shigella cases since October 1 were linked to travelers returning from Cape Verde, particularly the Santa Maria and Boa Vista areas. This has sparked widespread panic among tourists, many of whom are now torn between risking their health and losing thousands of pounds on non-refundable bookings.
Leading travel company TUI has found itself at the center of the storm, with furious holidaymakers accusing the company of mishandling the crisis. One traveler claimed, ‘TUI have lied all through this… they denied anyone else was ill, but people were hospitalized!’ Another shared a haunting warning: ‘My digestive system has never been the same since I got shigella from contaminated shellfish. I’ll never go back.’ These accounts paint a grim picture of poor hygiene, from cockroach-infested hotels to pools closed due to illness outbreaks.
But it’s not just about illnesses. Some tourists describe their stays as akin to a ‘war zone,’ with one visitor forced to pay an extra £700 to escape subpar accommodations. Others report unhygienic conditions like intermittent water supply and sewage issues near pools. Here’s the burning question: Is TUI doing enough to protect its customers, or are profits being prioritized over safety?
The UKHSA has updated its travel advice, urging visitors to Cape Verde to take precautions like drinking bottled water, avoiding raw salads, and ensuring food is freshly prepared and fully cooked. But for many, these warnings come too late. Families of the six deceased Britons are now pursuing legal action against TUI, represented by Irwin Mitchell solicitors, who are also handling claims from over 1,500 affected individuals.
As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: Cape Verde’s reputation as a holiday haven is hanging in the balance. What do you think? Is this a temporary crisis, or a sign of deeper issues in the travel industry? Should tourists boycott Cape Verde until conditions improve, or is it still worth the risk for some winter sun? Share your thoughts in the comments—this conversation is far from over.
