Cape Verde sickness investigation ‘exceeds 1,700 cases’

Lawyers representing claimants in a series of group action sickness claims in relation to holidays to Cape Verde say more than 1,700 cases are now being investigated.

Irwin Mitchell told the BBC it had continued to add to the group claim as recently as two weeks ago, while its website confirmed: “Our specialist international illness solicitors are currently investigating more than 1,700 cases of holiday-related illnesses and deaths linked to infections contracted in Cape Verde, many of which occurred at hotels and resorts operated by Tui.”

The cases are being brought by Irwin Mitchell on behalf of holidaymakers who stayed at resorts in Cape Verde in 2022 when hotels were reopening after the Covid pandemic.

The company said it believes eight Britons died following holidays to the archipelago.

A Tui spokesperson said: “We are deeply saddened by the reports of these tragic losses and extend our sincere condolences to the families affected.

“While we cannot comment on individual cases, customer health and safety is always our highest priority. We have established procedures in place to support any customer who becomes unwell while on holiday, including access to appropriate medical care and assistance in resort.

“To provide that support, it is important that illness is reported to our teams while customers are in destination. Where this does not happen, it limits the assistance we are able to offer at the time.

“We continue to follow FCDO advice and engage with hotel partners and relevant authorities where appropriate.”

The first High Court hearing into claims for damages in relation to the claims took place in early February.