‘Deadly Illness Outbreak Strikes Hundreds of Brits at Holiday Hotspot’
A 21-year-old holidaymaker was hospitalised after severe illness at a Cape Verde resort. The case forms part of wider concerns about a deadly illness outbreak at the popular holiday hotspot.
Incident at Riu Karamboa
Alisha Hussain, from Rotherham, collapsed and required urgent care while on holiday. She reported vomiting blood and experiencing seizures during the trip worth £900 per person.
The stay was at the five-star Riu Karamboa resort. The booking was made through tour operator Tui.
Scale of the problem
Lawyers are handling multiple claims linked to the resort. A group of 56 holidaymakers have instructed solicitors over illnesses contracted there.
More broadly, Irwin Mitchell represents over 1,700 British tourists who fell ill in Cape Verde since 2022. Authorities and lawyers say the island has seen shigella outbreaks twice in recent years.
Fatalities and timelines
Seven British visitors are suspected to have died after trips to Cape Verde since January 2023. Relatives of two men who died in 2024 and 2025 have joined legal action.
Accounts from affected tourists
Several holidaymakers described lasting health damage after their stays. Symptoms reported include severe diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach cramps, headaches and long-term bowel problems.
Mark and Tracy Watts travelled for their wedding anniversary last July. Tracy, who has type 1 diabetes, received IV fluids, oral and IV antibiotics, and anti-nausea drugs.
The couple reported poor cleanliness in their accommodation. They cited stained towels, uncovered food, and flies near dining areas.
Norwich couple Kevin and Claire Reynolds fell ill during a Valentine’s trip last year. Tests confirmed Kevin had shigella, which triggered dangerous blood sugar spikes due to his diabetes.
Kevin reports persistent headaches, vertigo and bowel issues. He says he has lost more than a stone in weight. Claire continues to experience symptoms more than a year later.
Allegations over hygiene and food safety
Tourists described apparent hygiene lapses at the resort. Complaints include uncovered meals, incorrect food temperatures, and staff handling raw meat without gloves.
Visitors also reported flies and birds in dining areas and dirty serving tongs. Lawyers say such conditions can enable contagious bacterial infections to spread.
Legal and expert reaction
Irwin Mitchell’s international serious injury team is leading many of the claims. The firm describes ongoing hygiene concerns in Cape Verde linked to bacterial infections.
More than 1,700 British tourists are included in cases relating to illness since 2022. Dozens of clients have joined civil claims over injuries and alleged fatalities.
Industry response
Tui has been approached for comment about the complaints and legal action. Filmogaz.com contacted the tour operator for a statement.
Public health context
Health professionals warn that shigella can spread rapidly in settings with poor food hygiene. They stress the need for preventive measures at resorts and public venues.
- Location: Cape Verde, West Africa
- Resort: Riu Karamboa
- Holidaymaker cases at resort: group of 56 seeking legal action
- Broader cases represented: more than 1,700 Britons since 2022
- Reported deaths linked to trips since Jan 2023: seven suspected
- Bacterial infection identified: shigella
