A Timely Reminder on Food and Water Hygiene
As we delve into the warmer months, it’s crucial to keep in mind the risks associated with diarrheal illnesses, particularly infections caused by Shigella (commonly known as shigellosis or dysentery) and Salmonella. With recent developments, understanding proper food and water hygiene has never been more important.
Since October 1, 2025, a surge of Shigella and Salmonella infections has been reported in travelers returning to England, Scotland, and Wales from the Cape Verde Islands. Out of 164 confirmed Shigella cases, a substantial majority—112 individuals—traveled to areas such as Santa Maria and Boa Vista in Cape Verde [1, 2]. After peaking in late October, the incidence of Shigella cases declined, with the most recent report occurring in February 2026 [2].
Turning our attention to Salmonella, as of June 2026, 99 confirmed cases have been identified from three distinct clusters in England, Scotland, and Wales since October 2025. Notably, 70 of these patients also reported recent travel to Cape Verde [2]. The largest cluster for Salmonella reached its peak in January 2026.
Moreover, the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) noted an alarming increase in Shigella cases among travelers returning from Cape Verde since September 2022. To date, over 1,000 confirmed and possible cases of Shigella and other gastrointestinal infections, including Salmonella, have been reported from travelers returning to 13 countries within the European Union and the European Economic Area, encompassing Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Sweden, and the Netherlands. Cases have also emerged among U.S. travelers to Cape Verde [3].
Further back in 2022, Cape Verde itself reported an outbreak of Shigella, which affected travelers from several European nations, including the UK [4].
Shigella bacteria can lead to shigellosis, a gut infection characterized by severe diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps [1]. While most individuals recover within a week, certain groups—such as older adults, those with compromised immune systems, individuals with complex medical conditions, pregnant women, and young children—face a heightened risk of severe complications, including sepsis [5, 6].
The transmission of Shigella primarily occurs through contact with contaminated feces, whether directly through person-to-person interaction or indirectly via contaminated food, water, or surfaces [6]. For travelers, especially in regions where food and water safety is a concern, the risks are significantly elevated.
Globally, Shigella infections predominantly affect children under five years old, although individuals of any age can contract the bacteria. Additionally, there exists an increased risk of sexual transmission among men who have sex with men [6, 7].
On the other hand, Salmonella infections (salmonellosis) primarily impact the intestines and manifest symptoms such as diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, and fever, which typically appear between 12 and 72 hours post-exposure [8]. Young children, pregnant women, older adults, and those with pre-existing health conditions are more susceptible to severe symptoms, with most cases stemming from contaminated food and water [9].
Advice for Travelers
Before You Travel
Prior to embarking on your journey, it’s wise to consult our Country Information pages for insights on general health risks, preventive measures, and any necessary vaccine or malaria advice pertaining to your destination.
If you’re pregnant or have underlying health conditions, or are immunocompromised, it’s advisable to consult your healthcare provider about your travel plans, particularly if heading to areas experiencing Shigella or Salmonella outbreaks.
Those who are immunocompromised or living with chronic health issues should consider speaking with their hospital specialist or general practitioner before traveling, to ensure they have an ‘emergency pack’ of antibiotics should an urgent need arise.
Unfortunately, there are currently no vaccines available to guard against Shigella or Salmonella infections.
While You’re Away
While traveling abroad, adherence to the following hygiene principles is crucial [6, 7, 10]:
- Practice good food and water hygiene consistently, even at high-end all-inclusive resorts.
- Wash your hands frequently, especially before eating or preparing food, after using the toilet, changing diapers, and before and after engaging in sexual activity.
- Consume food that is freshly prepared, fully cooked, and served piping hot.
- If clean water is not accessible, stick to bottled or boiled tap water (this includes for brushing your teeth).
- Avoid ice in your beverages.
- Refrain from eating fresh fruit that you haven’t peeled yourself or salads not prepared with bottled or boiled water.
- Do not swallow water from ponds, lakes, or swimming pools.
If you become ill while abroad [5-7, 10]:
- Stay hydrated by drinking safe fluids, such as bottled water or tap water that has been thoroughly boiled and cooled.
- Utilize oral rehydration solutions to prevent dehydration.
- Seek prompt medical advice if you’re at higher risk for complications related to Shigella or Salmonella infections—this includes infants, older adults, pregnant women, and those with underlying health conditions.
- Consult a healthcare provider if symptoms persist beyond a few days or fail to improve.
- Regularly wash contaminated clothing or bedding in hot water, and maintain cleanliness by frequently sanitizing toilets, taps, and door handles.
If either you or your partner experiences diarrhea, it’s advisable to avoid sexual contact for at least 48 hours afterward. For further details, consider reviewing our travelers’ diarrhea Factsheet.
When You Return
Should you feel unwell upon your return, do not hesitate to seek medical attention. Be sure to inform your healthcare provider about your recent travels. It’s recommended to wait 48 hours after your symptoms cease before resuming school or work activities.
Advice for Health Professionals
If a returning traveler presents gastrointestinal symptoms post-visit to Cape Verde, it’s essential to consider bacterial and parasitic infections—including Shigella, Salmonella, diarrheagenic E. coli, and E. histolytica. Local microbiology laboratories should assist in testing, and any confirmed cases should be reported to the appropriate local health protection team. Treatment of Shigella and Salmonella infections usually involves fluid support and symptomatic management, while severe cases may require antibiotics.