News

Updated: Cape Verde dysentery alert issued to travellers

Holidaymakers to Cape Verde have been warned about an outbreak of a form of dysentery.

New Foreign Office advice calls on British travellers to a resort area in the Atlantic islands nation to follow health advice.

The travel advisory said: “In February 2023, there was an increase in cases of Shigellosis, a form of dysentery, among travellers returning from Cape Verde. 

“Most cases reported stayed in the Santa Maria region on the island of Sal. 

“You should follow the health advice issued by the National Travel Health Network and Centre and make sure you are observing standard food, water and personal hygiene precautions, such as washing hands.”

It added that medical facilities in Cape Verde are limited, and some medicines are in short supply or unavailable.

“Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation,” the advisory said.

In a subsequent update, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office revealed that there has been an increase in cases of Shigellosis since August 2022.

Share article

View Comments

Jacobs Media is honoured to be the recipient of the 2020 Queen's Award for Enterprise.

The highest official awards for UK businesses since being established by royal warrant in 1965. Read more.