UK Reports Over 130 Shigella Infections Linked to Cape Verde Travel

More than 130 individuals in the United Kingdom have contracted Shigella infections after traveling to Cape Verde. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed that recent laboratory data indicates a significant increase in cases of Shigella sonnei in England. Since October 2023, 137 confirmed cases have been identified, with the majority affecting women, totaling 99 cases.

The outbreak has affected 113 people in England, alongside 12 cases each in Scotland and Wales. Affected individuals range in age from younger than one year to 81 years old, with a median age of 54 years. Those aged 50 to 59 represent the most impacted group. Authorities from Public Health Scotland, Public Health Wales, and the Public Health Agency in Northern Ireland are collaborating on the investigation.

Investigation Links to Cape Verde

Evidence collected so far points to a strong link between the outbreak and travel to Cape Verde. Out of the 137 cases, 116 individuals reported international travel, with 109 having visited Cape Verde, particularly the Santa Maria and Boa Vista regions. The implicated strain of Shigella sonnei does not exhibit genomic resistance to common antimicrobials typically used to treat travel-related gastrointestinal infections.

The UKHSA has indicated that international communications and investigations are ongoing. This situation is not unprecedented, as law firm Irwin Mitchell is currently representing over 1,400 British holidaymakers who have reported illnesses linked to stays in Cape Verde since 2022. Reports include confirmed cases of E. coli, Salmonella, Shigella, and Cryptosporidium, with some individuals requiring hospital treatment abroad or upon returning to the UK.

In February 2023, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) noted an increase in shigellosis cases, primarily caused by Shigella sonnei, among travelers returning from Cape Verde. More than 250 infections were documented across ten European countries, along with cases in the UK and the US since September 2022.

Health Risks and Symptoms

According to Michael Walker, a partner at Holiday Claims Bureau, “We’re seeing a deeply concerning trend in illness reports from Cape Verde.” He emphasized that tour operators and package holiday resorts must be held accountable for not upholding basic health and hygiene standards expected by travelers.

Shigella infection can lead to severe diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. Symptoms typically manifest one to two days after exposure to the bacteria and may last from five to seven days, although some individuals can experience symptoms for longer, potentially extending to four weeks or more. The transmission of Shigella sonnei occurs through contact with contaminated feces, meaning even microscopic amounts can lead to infection. This can happen through direct person-to-person contact or indirectly through contaminated food, water, or surfaces. Infection is often linked to travel in regions where shigellosis is endemic.

As the investigation continues, affected individuals are urged to seek medical attention if they experience symptoms consistent with Shigella infection, especially if they have recently traveled to Cape Verde.