A Vital Reminder on Food and Water Hygiene
As travelers indulge in new cuisines and experiences, the importance of food and water hygiene often becomes an afterthought—yet the risks are very real. Diarrheal illnesses, including Shigella (known as shigellosis or dysentery) and Salmonella infections, pose significant threats, particularly to those venturing to certain regions.
Since October 1, 2025, there has been a concerning uptick in Shigella and Salmonella cases reported among travelers returning to England, Scotland, and Wales from the picturesque Cape Verde Islands. Of the 164 confirmed Shigella cases, 112 individuals specifically linked their illness to travel in Cape Verde, mainly visiting the Santa Maria and Boa Vista areas. Fortunately, the number of reported cases in this cluster has declined after reaching a peak in late October, with the latest case noted in February 2026.
Salmonella cases offer a similar narrative. As of June 2026, 99 confirmed cases have emerged since October 2025 across three separate clusters within England, Scotland, and Wales, with 70 individuals directly connecting their infections to travel in Cape Verde. The most extensive cluster reached its peak in January 2026.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has also observed a surge in Shigella cases among travelers returning from Cape Verde since September 2022. To date, over 1,000 confirmed and probable cases of Shigella and other gastrointestinal infections, including salmonella, have been reported across 13 countries in the European Union and European Economic Area. These cases have also extended to travelers from the United States who visited Cape Verde.
It’s worth noting that Cape Verde itself experienced a Shigella outbreak in 2022, impacting travelers from multiple European nations, including the UK.
Shigella bacteria are notorious for causing shigellosis, an intestinal infection that results in severe diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. While most individuals recover within a week, certain populations—namely older adults, those with compromised immune systems, pregnant women, and young children—are at heightened risk for serious complications, including life-threatening sepsis.
This bacteria spreads primarily through contact with contaminated feces, whether directly from person-to-person interaction or indirectly via food, water, or contaminated surfaces. Consequently, travelers venturing to regions with questionable food and water safety must exercise particular caution.
Worldwide, children under five years are most affected by Shigella, though people across all ages are vulnerable. Additionally, men who have sex with men face a risk of sexual transmission.
Salmonella, on the other hand, primarily attacks the intestines. Symptoms such as diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, and fever typically appear within 12 to 72 hours of infection. Young children, pregnant women, people with underlying health conditions, and older adults are more likely to experience severe symptoms, with the majority of human cases stemming from contaminated food and water.
Advice for Travelers
Before You Travel
Before embarking on your journey, take a moment to visit our Country Information pages. Here, you’ll find crucial insights regarding general health risks, preventive measures, and any necessary vaccine recommendations for your chosen destination.
If you’re pregnant, have an underlying health condition, or are immunosuppressed, it’s wise to consult with your healthcare provider about your travel plans, especially if you’re considering areas currently experiencing Shigella or Salmonella outbreaks. You may also wish to carry an ‘emergency pack’ of antibiotics, as advised by your healthcare provider.
Keep in mind there are currently no vaccines available to prevent Shigella or Salmonella infections.
While You Are Abroad
On your travels, vigilance is key. Implement the following practices to safeguard your health:
- Maintain strict food and water hygiene, regardless of whether you’re dining at high-end resorts.
- Wash your hands frequently—particularly before meals, after using the restroom, after diaper changes, and before and after intimate encounters.
- Opt for freshly prepared food that is thoroughly cooked and served hot.
- In regions lacking clean water, stick to bottled or boiled tap water, including for brushing your teeth.
- Steer clear of ice in drinks.
- Avoid fresh fruit that you haven’t peeled yourself and salads that haven’t been washed with bottled or boiled water.
- Refrain from swallowing water in ponds, lakes, or swimming pools.
If you begin to feel unwell while away:
- Stay hydrated with safe liquids, like bottled water or boiled tap water.
- Utilize oral rehydration solutions to prevent dehydration.
- If you’re at a higher risk for complications, seek medical advice promptly—especially if you are a young child, older adult, pregnant woman, or otherwise compromised.
- Consult a healthcare provider if symptoms persist beyond a few days or show no signs of improvement.
- Wash any contaminated clothing or bedding on a hot cycle and ensure regular cleaning of toilets, taps, and door handles.
Moreover, if you or your partner experiences diarrhea, it’s advisable to avoid sexual contact for at least 48 hours. For additional guidance, refer to our travelers’ diarrhea factsheet.
Upon Your Return
Should you feel unwell after returning from your trip, please seek medical attention. It’s essential to inform your healthcare provider about your recent travel history. Also, remember to refrain from returning to school or work until 48 hours after your symptoms have resolved.
Guidance for Health Professionals
When a traveler presents with gastrointestinal symptoms after returning from Cape Verde, it’s vital to consider potential bacterial and parasitic infections, including Shigella, Salmonella, diarrheagenic E. coli, and E. histolytica. Testing should be arranged through local microbiology laboratories, and confirmed cases must be reported to the local health protection team. In most instances, Shigella and Salmonella infections are managed with fluids and symptom relief; however, severe cases may require antibiotic treatment.