October 2025, cases of Shigella and Salmonella infection have been reported in travellers returning to England, Scotland and Wales from the Cape Verde Islands. Of 158 confirmed Shigella cases, most (112) people 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, reported in England, Scotland and Wales, a total of 32 people reported travel to Cape Verde.
There are no vaccines to prevent Shigella or Salmonella infections.
While you are away
– Practice good food and water hygiene at all times, even in high-end, all-inclusive resorts.
– Wash your hands often, including before eating or preparing food, after using the toilet, after changing nappies and before and after sex.
– Eat recently prepared food that is fully cooked and served piping hot.
– Where there is no clean water supply, drink only bottled or boiled tap water (this includes brushing your teeth).
-Always avoid ice in your drinks.
-Avoid fresh fruit that you have not peeled yourself and salads not washed with bottled or boiled water.
-Avoid swallowing water from ponds, lakes and untreated swimming pools.
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