Shigellosis Outbreak in Cabo Verde Threatens Booming Tourism in Africa Industry as Health Concerns Grow

Written By: Shinjini Chatterjee

Shinjini Chatterjee

I'm Shinjini Chatterjee. I enjoy learning new things, taking on new challenges, and finding better ways to get things done. I believe in staying organized, being dependable, and maintaining a positive attitude, even in fast-paced environments. Also I enjoy working with people, communicating clearly, and contributing to a team where everyone supports each other's growth. Every opportunity helps me learn something new, and I look forward to building meaningful experiences while making a positive contribution to my work.

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March 25, 2026 03:21 GMT+5:30

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Cabo Verde is facing growing concerns over a shigellosis outbreak that has impacted over 1,000 tourists, primarily from Europe, the United Kingdom, and the United States. This health issue has raised questions about the safety of the island’s rapidly expanding tourism industry, with health authorities scrambling to identify the source of the outbreak. Despite the controversy, local officials continue to assert that the destination remains safe for travelers, urging them to take necessary precautions.

The Shigellosis Crisis in Cabo Verde

Over 1,000 confirmed and suspected cases of shigellosis and related gastrointestinal infections have been reported among travelers returning from Cabo Verde to various countries, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). The outbreak, which began in 2022, has predominantly affected tourists visiting resort areas like Santa Maria on Sal Island. Health authorities in Europe have flagged the destination due to the recurrent nature of the infections, as the exact cause remains under investigation.

Cabo Verde has quickly become a popular tourist destination, attracting significant numbers of visitors, especially during the winter months. The current health crisis is putting additional pressure on the country’s tourism sector, which has been one of the key drivers of its post-pandemic recovery. As tourism figures continue to rise, the island nation must navigate these health concerns while maintaining its image as a safe and attractive destination.

What is Shigellosis?

Shigellosis is a bacterial infection caused by the Shigella species, which is commonly transmitted through contaminated food, water, or poor hygiene practices. The infection is typically characterized by symptoms such as severe diarrhea (sometimes bloody), stomach cramps, nausea, fever, and dehydration. While many patients recover within a week, severe cases may require hospitalization, particularly for vulnerable populations, including the elderly, children, and those with weakened immune systems.

Globally, Shigella infections affect millions of people annually, with over 188 million cases and more than 160,000 deaths reported. The situation in Cabo Verde is concerning due to the persistence of the outbreak and its potential to spread. The strain of Shigella sonnei identified in the current outbreak appears to be particularly contagious, raising alarm among health experts and travelers alike.

European Tourists Most Affected

The majority of the tourists affected by the outbreak have been from European countries, particularly the United Kingdom, which is the largest market for Cabo Verde tourism. Other affected countries include Germany, France, and the Netherlands. In total, Cabo Verde welcomed around 1.2 million tourists in 2025, with a large proportion coming from the European market. The high volume of British and European visitors explains the significant number of cases among these demographics.

Although health officials are still investigating the source of the infection, early evidence points to contamination in resort areas, possibly linked to food or water. The outbreak’s link to specific resorts in Cabo Verde, particularly in popular tourist areas, has raised concerns about hygiene standards, even as authorities stress that the risk to travelers remains moderate.

Official Response to the Outbreak

Cabo Verde’s government has strongly pushed back against the notion of a widespread “outbreak,” asserting that there has been no confirmation of an official epidemic within the country. According to local officials, surveillance systems are in place and aligned with international health standards. Tourism Minister José Luís Sá Nogueira has emphasized that the destination is still “safe” for visitors, stating that there have been no confirmed deaths attributed directly to the Shigella infection.

However, European authorities, including the UK Health Agency and the ECDC, have issued travel health advisories urging caution for travelers planning to visit Cabo Verde. In response, the Cabo Verde government has worked in close coordination with international health bodies to address the issue. Investigations continue, and officials are employing improved diagnostic methods to identify the precise source of the infection.

Impact on Cabo Verde’s Tourism Industry

While the outbreak has raised concerns, the impact on the tourism industry has been somewhat limited so far. Despite the increased scrutiny, authorities have reported no widespread cancellations of trips, and the tourism sector continues to grow. Industry professionals remain optimistic that, similar to previous incidents in other destinations, the issue can be managed through better hygiene protocols and stronger food safety measures at hotels and resorts.

The current situation has sparked debate over the importance of enhancing hygiene standards in the resort sector, especially given the island’s rapid rise in popularity among international tourists. Authorities have called for increased vigilance, especially in high-traffic tourist areas where large numbers of visitors congregate.

What Travelers Should Know

Travelers visiting Cabo Verde are advised to take extra precautions during the current health crisis. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) recommends the following:

• Practice strict hand hygiene by washing hands regularly with soap and water.
• Avoid eating raw or undercooked food, particularly in areas with high tourist traffic.
• Drink only bottled or treated water to avoid potential contamination.
• Seek medical care if symptoms of shigellosis, such as severe diarrhea, fever, or dehydration, develop.

Currently, there is no vaccine for Shigella, although research is ongoing to develop one. For now, travelers are encouraged to take basic hygiene measures to reduce the risk of infection.

Looking Ahead: Cabo Verde’s Tourism Resilience

Cabo Verde faces a delicate challenge as it works to resolve the ongoing health issue while maintaining its reputation as a premier tourist destination. The country’s tourism sector, which has become one of the fastest-growing industries in Africa, is showing resilience despite the setback. Authorities remain committed to enhancing safety measures, working with international health organizations, and ensuring that Cabo Verde continues to be a safe and attractive destination for global tourists.

In the coming months, Cabo Verde will need to balance the ongoing health concerns with the growing demand for tourism, striving to ensure that the crisis does not overshadow the country’s vibrant and diverse offerings. As investigations into the source of the outbreak continue, the message from health officials is clear: the risk is manageable, and travelers should follow standard precautions.