Nearly 1,000 British tourists have fallen ill after indulging in luxury holidays on the stunning African island of Cape Verde, as reported by law firm Irwin Mitchell. These holidaymakers, who stayed at upscale hotels, have experienced serious gastric illnesses over the past three years.
Among the affected tourists are Cordelia Plummer and Ian Waller, a British couple aged 56, who fell ill with severe gastric symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhoea during their two-week stay at the five-star Riu Cabo Verde in July. Cordelia was informed by a GP that the symptoms might be linked to shigella, an intestinal infection. The £3,000 dream holiday turned into a nightmare for the couple, with Cordelia describing the experience as the worst sickness she had ever known.
Issues with food presentation, including lunch dishes reappearing at dinner and the presence of cockroaches near the kitchen, have raised concerns among the guests. Ten holidaymakers, including Cordelia and Ian, have sought legal advice after their stay at the hotel this summer.
In previous years, similar outbreaks occurred at other luxury hotels in Cape Verde. In 2022, nearly 100 tourists fell ill with shigella and salmonella after holidays at Riu Cabo Verde. At Riu Funana Hotel in Santa Maria, 20 people made claims in 2023, while over 170 guests reported illnesses in 2022. Additionally, over 300 guests of Riu Palace Santa Maria on Sal island contacted the firm following a gastric illness outbreak two years ago.
Jatinder Paul, an international injury solicitor representing the affected holidaymakers, expressed deep concern over the incidents. The number of clients coming forward with illnesses over a three-year period indicates an ongoing problem that needs to be addressed promptly to prevent long-term health issues or worse.
A spokesperson for Riu Hotels & Resorts emphasised that guest health and safety are top priorities and that they strictly adhere to all regulations in their destinations. The hotel chain conducts regular internal analyses and collaborates closely with local authorities to ensure compliance and guest safety.
The high number of cases of gastric illnesses among British tourists visiting Cape Verde has sparked worries and calls for thorough investigations. Efforts to address the underlying causes and prevent such incidents from recurring are crucial to safeguarding the well-being of visitors in the future.