Illnesses Include E.Coli, Shigella And Salmonella

Lawyers at Irwin Mitchell have revealed the Cape Verde hotels at the centre of repeated illness outbreaks after more than 1,400 holidaymakers have instructed the law firm following their disastrous holidays to the West African islands.

A number of cases of E.coli, salmonella and bacterial infection shigella have been confirmed since 2022, with children as young as three among those diagnosed.

Hundreds of those affected, who all booked their holidays through tour operator TUI, were also hospitalised as a result of their illness, and some continue to experience significant complications such as renal failure.

International serious injury lawyers instructed by holidaymakers

The latest holidaymakers to instruct specialist international serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate include a Somerset couple on their honeymoon. A Rotherham engineer hospitalised with E.coli and shigella, a mum and twin daughters from Huddersfield, and a chemist worker from Hampshire are also among the latest group.

With Cape Verde a popular winter sun destination, the legal experts have revealed the hotels so those planning to travel to the West African islands this winter can take safety precautions.

The 10 hotels at the centre of the outbreak are as follows: Riu Palace Santa Maria, Riu Cabo Verde, Riu Funana, Riu Palace Boavista, TUI Blue Cabo Varde, TUI Suneo Dunas, Riu Touareg, Riu Karamboa, Melia Dunas, Melia Llana.

Jatinder Paul is a specialist international serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing those impacted.

Expert Opinion

“The number of people who have instructed us after falling ill at Cape Verde has reached more than 1,400, which is a staggering figure.

“It’s also deeply worrying, and quite frankly unacceptable, that holidaymakers are continuing to be struck down with gastric illness at resorts that are classed as four or five star.

“Such symptoms can be extremely serious and lead to long-term health problems and complications, particularly in those diagnosed with infections such as E.coli. We’re determined to get our clients the answers they deserve and it’s vital that more is done to prevent others from suffering.” Jatinder Paul

Cape Verde illness: Case studies

Rotherham – Riu Funana

Robert Conners, a 37-year-old engineer from Thorpe Hesley, Rotherham, holidayed at the five-star Riu Funana resort in Sal between 22 and 29 June, 2024. He travelled with his wife, Katie, 36, and six-year-old daughter, Emilia.

Three days into the trip, which cost more than £2,000, he began suffering from severe diarrhoea, stomach cramps and bloating.  He also developed a burning and itchy rash all over his body.

On 9 July, Robert was admitted to hospital for two days due to an exacerbation in symptoms, including passing blood.  He was put on a drip for dehydration and diagnosed with shigella and E.coli, for which he was administered strong antibiotics.

Robert had to take three weeks off work and continues to be fearful over what he eats. 

He said: “We’d saved for a long time to go to Cape Verde and we were so excited.  But just a few days in, I was the most unwell I’ve ever been. 

“At the start of my illness, I was having diarrhoea up to 30 times a day and I really didn’t know what was wrong with me.

“Most of the holiday was ruined, and I starved myself before the flight home so I wasn’t spending all my time in the toilet on the plane.

“Once I was back home, it just got worse and I ended up in hospital.  To be told I had E.Coli and shigella was a huge shock but it explained why I had been feeling so awful.

“When I think back, I can recall the food was left uncovered at the buffet, and the meat and burgers always appeared undercooked. The cleanliness of the hotel rooms also left a lot to be desired, and the toilets around the hotel were always full.

“I know I can’t change what happened but I’ve been struggling physically and emotionally, as well as financially due to not being able to work. I deserve some answers at the very least.”

Huddersfield – Melia Dunas

Gina Booth, a 49-year-old housewife from Huddersfield, travelled to the five-star Melia Dunas resort with her twin 16-year-old daughters Shaela and Mischa Gentles.

The family’s holiday, costing almost £5,000, took place between 28 August and 4 September, 2024. On the evening of the second day, Shaela and Mischa began vomiting and complaining of diarrhoea and abdominal pain.

The following day, Gina developed a fever and flu-like symptoms, as well as bloody diarrhoea, nausea and headaches.

All three saw a doctor at the resort, and Gina was given antibiotics. Their symptoms continued well into September.

Gina said: “My girls and I were so unwell very early into the holiday and we thought it was maybe one of those 24-hour sickness bugs. But it lasted for almost three weeks.

“The only thing that I believe could be to blame is the resort. The food was undercooked and served uncovered, with fresh food added to existing food. The cutlery and crockery was dirty, and there were often cats, flies and birds around the buffet area.

“It’s not something you expect from a five-star hotel and I feel we need to know how it happened.”

Taunton, Somerset – TUI Blue Cabo Verde

Liam Williams and Jade Churchill, both 27, honeymooned at the TUI Blue Cabo Verde from 8 to 15 October, 2024.

Three days in, nurse Jade was struck down with sickness, diarrhoea, fever and fatigue. Liam, an assistant management accountant, fell ill the following day. They paid £2,500 for the holiday.

The couple, from Taunton, attempted to see a doctor at the resort but were refused, and Liam also went to his GP when he returned to the UK.

Liam said: “We both wanted to go to Cape Verde for our honeymoon and couldn’t wait to get away as we’ve had a busy few months.

“But what was meant to be a dream break turned into a nightmare. We thought we wouldn’t have anything to worry about with a five-star hotel, but the eating area was a red flag with food visibly being reheated and served more than once. Much of the food was uncovered and left out for long periods of time.

“The hotel appeared to be running low on food and drink at times, and we had to wait an hour for toilet roll when we were unwell. We wish we had booked somewhere else to honeymoon as it really didn’t get us off to a good start at married life.”

Tadley, Hampshire – TUI Blue Cabo Verde

Karen Boatman, a 61-year-old chemist counter assistant from Tadley, Hampshire, also spent time at the TUI Blue Cabo Verde with her husband Ashley, age 55, from 24 June to 8 July 2024.

On 26 June, she began suffering from diarrhoea, abdominal pains, vomiting and fever. She was also dehydrated and lethargic, and was experiencing hallucinations.

Karen ended up in hospital abroad where she was placed on intravenous (IV) fluids and given antibiotics. She was transferred to another hospital for three days, where she was monitored for suspected acute kidney failure.  She was then advised to go to hospital on her return to the UK as there weren’t facilities to treat her in Cape Verde, which she did.  At that time, she was also signed off work for 25 days for almost four weeks.

She continues to struggle with ongoing symptoms.

Karen, whose holiday cost around £4,000, said: “There was nothing five-star about this resort. Our room wasn’t clean on arrival, the air conditioning didn’t work properly, and the pool facilities were nowhere near to standard.

“Ashley even had to complain to reception as it seemed the cleaners were using the same wipes and water between rooms without disinfectant.

“Five months on, I’m still not well and I’m incredibly tired all the time. I know there’s nothing that I can do to change what happened now, but I feel I – and all the others that were ill – need to know more will be done to stop others falling sick in the future.”

Top tips on how to keep safe abroad and what to do if you fall ill

• Research the medical care available in the area before you go and make sure you have travel insurance in place which includes medical cover for the duration of your trip
• Use bottled water wherever possible, such as for drinking and brushing your teeth.With any salads and raw foods, check how they’ve been washed
• At a buffet, check whether the cutlery and crockery is clean
• Ask about allergy advice if no labels are present
• If you fall ill, it’s important to report this to your holiday representative or hotel staff as soon as possible
• Get a copy of any medical report if you seek help abroad

Find out more about our expertise in supporting people affected by serious illness on holiday at our dedicated illness abroad section. Alternatively, to speak to an expert contact us or call 0370 1500 100.