The family of a British woman who died after holidaying in Cape Verde have issued a warning to travelers to take health risks seriously, as British authorities investigate a rise in serious illnesses among tourists.
Karen Pooley is one of four British tourists who died at the end of last year after falling ill while visiting the popular African island, and her relatives are urging anyone considering a trip to “thoroughly research the destination and ensure adequate travel insurance”. Sky News.
“Our hearts are broken”
Karen Pooley, 64, from Gloucestershire, fell ill during a two-week holiday in Cape Verde last October. During her illness, she slipped in a hotel room and broke her leg. After spending four days in a local clinic, she was transferred to Tenerife for further treatment, where she died the following day.
Her sister-in-law, Kim Price, told Sky News that Karen “spent her last days on this earth in agony”. “We’re heartbroken. We still can’t come to terms with it. I’m angry and I want to make sure this doesn’t happen to anyone again,” she added.
Karen’s older brother Keith said: “One death is one too many, and if this continues, how many more will die? I would urge people to think twice before booking. If you are thinking of going, do your research and get adequate insurance.”
Hundreds of new applications and an increase in the number of lawsuits
This week another 200 tourists came forward claiming to have suffered a serious illness after traveling to the Cape Verde Islands. This brings the number of people taking legal action against travel company TUI to 1,700.
New data from the UK Health Safety Agency (UKHSA) shows that the number of cases of the stomach bacteria Shigella, after a rise in the autumn, is now falling, but the number of incidents of salmonella is still rising. The UKHSA’s chief epidemiologist, Hannah Charles, said that since October 2025, 158 cases have been linked to the outbreak and that “at least 112 of these people had traveled to Cape Verde in the week before they became ill”.
“The data is encouraging as it shows that the number of new cases is decreasing on a weekly basis, which points to a slowdown in the epidemic. However, the latest data, in addition to the updated Shigella figures, also highlights an increase in salmonella cases that are also associated with travel to Cape Verde,” she explained.
Recommendations from health professionals
Charles urged tourists to be aware of the risks and take steps to protect themselves. “We don’t tell people ‘don’t travel to Cape Verde.’ But it’s our responsibility to make sure people are aware of the risks and provide them with information on how they can reduce that risk and ultimately stay healthy and enjoy their vacation,” she pointed out.
“So we recommend measures like choosing food that is freshly prepared and served hot. It’s a good idea to avoid salads and raw fruits and vegetables that may have been washed in improper water, drink bottled water, avoid ice in drinks and always wash your hands thoroughly.”
The UKHSA advises travelers to take simple precautions to prevent gastrointestinal infections. They recommend caution with food and water and regular hand washing. You should choose food that is freshly prepared, fully cooked and served hot.
In areas with unreliable water, it is advised to drink only bottled or boiled water, even when brushing your teeth, and eat only fruit that you peel yourself. If diarrhea occurs, it’s important to stay hydrated and seek medical attention, especially if you have a fever or blood in your stool.
Lawyers warn, government rejects accusations
Lawyers representing the travelers have confirmed that a further 200 people have come forward this week, bringing the total number of clients suing TUI to 1700. Solicitor Jatinder Paul of Irwin Mitchell said: “We continue to receive calls from people who have suffered serious illness after traveling to Cape Verde. Their accounts of symptoms and ruined holidays are worryingly similar.
The effects of gastric diseases should never be underestimated as they can lead to lifelong complications and even death. Our goal is to continue to support travelers who have hired us to investigate their illnesses and determine if more could have been done to prevent them. We again call on the tour operators and the authorities to take decisive steps to solve the reported hygiene problems on the islands.”
TUI did not respond to a request for comment, but previously announced that it fully investigates the claims and ensures that all clients who fall ill on vacation receive appropriate care and assistance, Index.hr writes.
The government of Cape Verde issued a statement earlier this week stating that it is one of the safest countries in Africa in terms of health. They pointed out that they receive one million visitors annually and that the recent cases “statistically represent a residual phenomenon, without a sustainable epidemiological pattern or any change in the national health profile”.
They added: “These are legal actions directed against private entities. The Ministry of Health does not accept that individual accusations, made in foreign forums, are generalized or used to undermine the national health system and the good image of the country.”
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