Between September 2022 and March 2026, over 1’000 confirmed and possible cases of shigellosis and other gastrointestinal infections, including salmonellosis, have been detected in travellers returning from Cabo Verde to several countries in the European Union/European Economic Area (EU/EEA), the United Kingdom (UK), and the United States (US), with new cases still being reported.
Most cases of shigellosis and other gastrointestinal infections, including salmonellosis, were linked to a hotel chain in Santa Maria, Sal Island. The exact source is unknown, but food- or waterborne transmission is likely, with some person-to-person spread also possible.
The likelihood of new infections in travellers visiting the Santa Maria region in Cabo Verde remains moderate. Additional cases of shigellosis and other gastrointestinal infections are expected until the source of infection is identified, and effective control measures are put in place.
- Practice strict hand hygiene (regular hand washing and disinfection), especially before cooking, eating and after using the toilet.
- Consume well-cooked foods served hot. Avoid ready-to-eat foods, including unwashed fruits and vegetables, salads, and ice-containing products.
- Drink bottled or boiled water.
- If symptoms such as diarrhoea (including bloody diarrhoea), fever or stomach cramps occur during or after travel, seek prompt medical attention. Shigella can cause clinical symptoms even at a minimal perorally ingested dose (less than 100 germs).