Cape Verde Outbreak: Four Brits Dead in Three Months
In the sun-soaked islands of Cape Verde, what should have been idyllic escapes for British holidaymakers has turned into a chilling tale of tragedy. Over the past three months, four UK tourists have lost their lives after falling gravely ill during their stays, highlighting severe concerns over healthcare standards and a rampant outbreak of contagious illnesses. As visitor numbers soar, experts are questioning whether this emerging hotspot is ready for the influx of travelers seeking affordable paradise.
The Tragic Stories Behind the Deaths
The nightmare began for Elena Walsh, a 64-year-old from Birmingham, who jetted off on a £5,000 Tui package holiday in August 2025 to celebrate her retirement and her son's engagement. Accompanied by her husband Patrick, son Sean, and future daughter-in-law Gemma, the family arrived full of excitement. But within days, Elena was struck by a severe stomach bug. Rushed to a local hospital on Sal island, she endured misdiagnosis—doctors suspected appendicitis and operated on her healthy appendix. Patrick, waiting anxiously outside, heard her final cries of pain: 'You're hurting me.' A UK post-mortem later revealed heart failure triggered by gastroenteritis, not appendicitis.
Elena's story is heartbreakingly echoed by three others. Karen Pooley, also 64, fell ill at a Riu hotel on Boa Vista while vacationing with her husband Andrew. What started as digestive woes escalated into fatal complications from her underlying conditions. Mark Ashley, 55, and David Smith, 54 (name changed for privacy), met similar fates—gastroenteritis, fractures from falls during illness, and heart issues—all exacerbated by what families describe as inadequate medical intervention. All four had manageable pre-existing health issues, but the islands' 'very basic and limited' healthcare, as warned by the UK Foreign Office, proved insufficient.
Families' Heart-Wrenching Accounts
Andrew Pooley recalls his wife's rapid decline: 'She was vibrant, looking forward to more adventures. Instead, we buried her.' The families united in grief have raised alarms about the safety of recommending Cape Verde to vulnerable travelers. 'We trusted the tour operators,' Patrick Walsh said. 'No one mentioned the risks.'
Cape Verde: From Paradise to Peril
Nestled in the Atlantic, 350 miles west of Senegal, Cape Verde's ten volcanic islands boast year-round sunshine, pristine beaches, and a laid-back vibe. Once a hidden gem, the archipelago has exploded in popularity. Visitor numbers jumped from 115,000 in 2000 to nearly a million in 2024, with Brits making up 36% of arrivals. Sal and Boa Vista, in particular, draw crowds with all-inclusive deals from operators like Tui, positioning the islands as budget-friendly rivals to the Caribbean.
Yet, beneath the azure waters and swaying palms lies vulnerability. The recent outbreak—a highly contagious illness, likely bacterial gastroenteritis spread via contaminated water or food—has afflicted hundreds since late 2025. Government officials convened emergency meetings with hotel chains, probing 'standing water sources' and bolstering pest control. One affected resort, the Riu Karamboa, saw tourists like our investigative reporter experience subtle signs of unease during a December visit, though no direct warnings were issued upon check-in.
Hospital Horror: A 'War Zone' Reality
Local hospitals paint a grim picture. Families likened facilities on Sal to a 'war zone'—overcrowded, under-equipped, with basic sanitation lacking. One relative described bloodstained floors, delayed treatments, and staff overwhelmed by tourist cases. The Foreign Office advises against travel for those with serious health needs, citing limited advanced care; serious cases often require medevac to Dakar or Lisbon.
Our analysis reveals a pattern: All victims stayed at Riu properties, a Spanish chain with six Cape Verde resorts. While no direct link to the hotels has been proven, the clustering raises questions about food hygiene and water quality in high-volume all-inclusives.
Industry Response and Ongoing Risks
Tui and Riu expressed deep sorrow, offering condolences and cooperating with investigations. 'We prioritize guest safety,' a Tui spokesperson stated, noting enhanced sanitation protocols. However, package holidays to Cape Verde remain on sale, with promotions touting 'unforgettable escapes.' A Sunday Times-style probe found reps at Riu Karamboa downplaying the outbreak, advising only standard handwashing without specifics on the illness.
Cape Verde's government is ramping up measures: Chlorination of water supplies, vector control for pests, and health audits for resorts. Tourism Minister Amilcar Monteiro assured, 'We're addressing these challenges to protect our visitors.' Yet, with 2026 peak season approaching, experts urge caution. Dr. Sarah Jenkins, a travel medicine specialist, warns: 'Pre-existing conditions amplify risks in destinations with rudimentary infrastructure. Travelers should verify insurance covers medical evacuations.'
Is Cape Verde Still Worth the Trip?
For healthy adventurers, Cape Verde's kitesurfing, hiking, and Creole culture remain alluring. But for families or those with health concerns, the equation has shifted. The UK Foreign Office maintains its advisory: Seek medical advice pre-trip and carry comprehensive insurance. As one bereaved family member put it, 'Paradise shouldn't come at the cost of lives.'
This outbreak underscores broader issues in emerging tourism markets—rapid growth outpacing infrastructure. With Brits flocking for value, Cape Verde must invest urgently in healthcare to reclaim its idyllic reputation. Until then, potential visitors: Proceed with eyes wide open.
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