Praia, April 1, 2026 (Lusa) - Cabo Verde's government said on Wednesday that the country has no gastrointestinal disease outbreaks following UK media reports on a British tourist's death allegedly linked to these infections.
"Following information shared by international magazines and newspapers about gastrointestinal infections reported among European travellers after stays in tourist destinations, Cabo Verde has been monitoring the situation closely through an active epidemiological surveillance system and close coordination with health authorities and tour operators," a statement said.
According to the government, no evidence of outbreaks exists on Sal and Boa Vista islands. Cases remain sporadic and within expected levels for this time of year.
Authorities said available data reveals no abnormal changes to the country's epidemiological situation.
On 20 March, Helio Rocha, manager of the National Public Health Institute (INSP), said tests detected Shigella bacteria (which causes highly contagious infection to the intestines) in irrigation water samples used for fresh produce supplied to hotels on Sal and Boa Vista.
The investigation identified Shigella sonnei in the samples. This species predominates in Europe, raising the hypothesis of its introduction into Cabo Verde. These results emerged after the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) issued recommendations for travellers due to a "moderate risk" of gastrointestinal infections in Santa Maria, Sal island.
The ECDC pointed out that cases continue to be reported and the infection's origin remains unidentified. Since September 2022, authorities have detected more than 1,000 confirmed and probable cases originating in Cabo Verde.
Wednesday's statement said authorities had stepped up prevention and control measures, including sanitary inspections, food quality monitoring, and awareness raising among tour operators.
Reports released on Monday detail the death of a British tourist after a week-long holiday on Sal island, allegedly due to gastrointestinal problems, bringing the number of reported cases since 2023 to seven.
Health Minister Jorge Figueiredo said in February that no epidemiological evidence confirmed an active shigellosis outbreak in Cabo Verde.
Tourism and Transport Minister Jose Luis Sa Nogueira also dismissed outbreak reports, downplaying UK media accounts of infections among tourists.
Tourism drives Cabo Verde's economy, mostly on Sal and Boa Vista islands.
RS/LYT // AYLS
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