Over 1,700 British Tourists Join Mass Legal Action After Cape Verde Illness Outbreak
A massive legal case has emerged involving more than 1,700 British holidaymakers who suffered serious illnesses during trips to Cape Verde, with legal representatives confirming that cases continue to surface as recently as two weeks ago.
The personal injury claim is being spearheaded by Irwin Mitchell solicitors, who report that at least eight British citizens have tragically died following vacations to the West African island nation in recent years. This follows health warnings issued by UK officials in February regarding travel to the archipelago due to widespread reports of gastrointestinal infections.
The travel company at the center of the litigation has expressed deep concern over the tragic losses and stated that customer safety remains their top priority. However, they noted that they have not yet received access to the complete Cape Verde health investigation report, which has not been made public.
Unprecedented Scale of Claims
Jatinder Paul, a solicitor with Irwin Mitchell, described the case as extraordinary in scope. “In all my years of doing this work, I have not seen a case this large and unfortunately so many that have died as a result of the illnesses,” Paul explained during a television interview.
The legal team is pursuing claims against the tour operator, arguing that the company had a duty to provide safe package holidays that would not expose customers to illness. Paul indicated that if settlements cannot be reached through negotiation, the case could result in High Court damages worth millions of pounds.
Range of Infections Reported
According to the law firm, affected travelers contracted various serious conditions including E. coli, salmonella, and shigella infections, as well as parasitic infections like cryptosporidium. The victims include infants as young as six months old, highlighting the severity and indiscriminate nature of the outbreak.
A February investigation by the UK Health Security Agency documented 112 cases of shigella and 43 cases of salmonella connected to Cape Verde travel since October 2025. Both infections cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms including diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and fever.
Popular Destination Under Scrutiny
Cape Verde, a former Portuguese territory known for its pristine beaches and consistently warm climate, has welcomed over one million British tourists through the implicated travel company since 2022. However, legal investigators have compiled evidence suggesting serious hygiene issues at various hotels throughout the country.
Video evidence reviewed by media outlets allegedly shows concerning conditions including improperly cooked food, dining areas infested with flies, and mold growth in guest accommodations.
Tragic Personal Stories
Among the casualties was Elena Walsh, a 64-year-old from Birmingham who died during her stay at a five-star resort in August of last year. Walsh fell ill on August 8 and was hospitalized, passing away just two days later.
Her son Sean Walsh described the rapid deterioration of his mother’s condition. “Through the night, we were there with her trying to see if she’d pull out of it, but she just deteriorated,” he recounted. He now warns others against traveling to the destination, stating that while some visitors return safely, the risk proved fatal for his mother.
Another victim, Karen Pooley from Lydney, died in October after a two-week vacation. The 64-year-old developed gastric symptoms on October 11 and suffered a broken leg from a fall while rushing to the bathroom due to a water leak from a hotel refrigerator. She was airlifted to Tenerife on October 16 but died the following day from sepsis and multiple organ failure.
Pooley’s daughter Liz expressed her anger at the travel company, emphasizing the devastating impact on families. “No family should go through this, no family should have to FaceTime their mum on a Friday night, and by the following Friday, organise a funeral,” she stated.
Industry Response
The resort chain operating some of the affected properties maintains that guest health and safety are paramount concerns. They assert that their Cape Verde facilities adhere to rigorous international health and hygiene standards, verified by external specialist consulting firms.
The tour operator has established protocols to assist customers who become ill during their holidays, including access to medical care and on-site support. However, they emphasize that prompt reporting of illnesses to their teams is crucial for providing effective assistance. The company continues to follow Foreign Office guidance and maintains communication with hotel partners and relevant authorities as appropriate.
Photo by Danique Godwin on Unsplash
Photo by Dominique Josse on Unsplash