Several British tourists die amid Cape Verde stomach bug deaths

Why the Cape Verde stomach bug deaths matter

The deaths of multiple British holidaymakers following stomach illnesses in Cape Verde have raised urgent questions about traveller safety, public health and holiday-company responsibilities. With families bringing legal claims and media reports describing a contagious bacterial outbreak, the issue is of immediate importance to holidaymakers, regulators and travel firms.

Main details and reported events

Who has been affected

Lawyers representing bereaved families say four Britons died within months after being struck down with stomach bugs while on holiday in Cape Verde. Those named in reports include Elena Walsh (64), Mark Ashley (55), Karen Pooley (64) and a 56-year-old man. The four are among six British citizens who have died after holidays there since January 2023, according to the families’ legal representatives.

Circumstances and locations

Reports say some victims fell ill while staying on the island of Sal. Elena Walsh became unwell at the Riu Cabo Verde resort on Sal and died in August. Karen Pooley travelled to Sal on 7 October for a fortnight-long holiday costing about £3,000, booked through travel firm Tui. Ashley’s wife Emma said the family were in ‘complete shock’ at his death.

Legal action and public response

The law firm Irwin Mitchell has said the six families are making personal injury claims against Tui. Headlines and briefings have characterised the cluster of cases as linked to a highly contagious bacterial stomach bug, and at least one media summary has described the situation as an outbreak affecting British tourists.

Conclusions and significance for readers

Officials, travel companies and health authorities will face pressure to clarify what happened, whether there is a wider public-health risk, and what safeguards are in place for travellers. For those planning travel, the cases underline the importance of monitoring travel advice, taking out comprehensive insurance, and seeking prompt medical help for serious symptoms abroad. For readers, the developing legal claims may also affect how travel firms handle illness and compensation in future.

Authorities and the companies involved have not been quoted here; reporting is based on information provided by families, legal representatives and media summaries. Further official updates would be needed to establish causes and any regulatory response.