Since 1 October 2025, cases of Shigella and Salmonella infection have been reported in travellers returning to England, Scotland and Wales from the Cape Verde Islands. Out of 158 confirmed Shigella cases, most (112) reported recent travel to Cape Verde, mainly to the Santa Maria and Boa Vista areas. Out of 43 confirmed Salmonella cases from three separate clusters, 32 people reported travel to Cape Verde.

The ECDC also reported an upsurge in Shigella cases in travellers returning to four EU countries (the Netherlands, Sweden, France and Ireland). An outbreak of Shigella was also reported in Cape Verde in 2022.

While no nationwide outbreak has been officially declared, this travel-associated signal highlights ongoing food- and water-borne infection risks in tourist settings. Older adults, immunocompromised individuals, pregnant women and children under five may be at greater risk of complications, including sepsis.