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A serious health incident has emerged aboard a cruise ship in the Atlantic, with three passengers dead and others critically ill following a suspected hantavirus outbreak. The situation highlights that holiday illness risks are not confined to food poisoning, but can extend to rare and potentially fatal infections where hygiene and safety controls fall below acceptable standards. What happened on the cruise ship? Reports confirm that a 70-year-old passenger became unwell and died onboard, his wife later died after evacuation to hospital, and a third passenger has also died. Another British passenger remains in intensive care. Multiple cases have been identified, with at least one confirmed hantavirus infection. The cruise was travelling from Argentina to Cape Verde when the outbreak occurred. What is hantavirus and why does it matter legally? Hantavirus is a rare but serious infection typically linked to exposure to rodent contamination (droppings, urine, or saliva). Its presence on a cruise ship raises immediate questions about pest control measures, environmental hygiene standards, maintenance of passenger areas, and whether risks were properly identified and managed. If conditions onboard allowed exposure to occur, it may represent a failure in safety systems. Liability in cruise ship illness claims Where illness arises during a cruise or package holiday, liability is governed by the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018. Cruise operators must ensure that onboard conditions are safe and provided with reasonable care and skill. Where there are failures in hygiene, pest control, environmental safety, or medical response, affected passengers may be entitled to bring a claim. Cruise ship illness claims: beyond food poisoning Most holiday illness claims involve norovirus outbreaks, food poisoning, or contaminated water. However, any illness caused by unsafe conditions during a holiday can form the basis of a claim. The focus is whether the risk should have been prevented, whether proper systems were in place, and whether the operator acted appropriately. Proven experience in cruise illness claims At Holiday Lawyers, our lawyers have extensive experience recovering damages for passengers affected by illness, hygiene failures, and health issues on cruise ships, including cases involving large numbers of affected travellers. Holiday Lawyers is also currently acting for a number of individuals who have experienced issues on cruise ships, reflecting the continued frequency of illness outbreaks and safety concerns within the sector. What should passengers do if they fall ill on a cruise? Passengers should seek medical attention immediately, report symptoms to onboard staff, document conditions where possible, retain medical records and receipts, and avoid signing documents without advice. Early evidence is often decisive. A wider issue in the cruise industry Cruise ships are contained environments where illness can spread rapidly if hygiene or safety systems fail. Operators are expected to maintain robust sanitation protocols, effective pest control systems, and immediate outbreak response procedures. How Holiday Lawyers can assist Holiday Lawyers specialise in serious holiday illness and cruise ship claims, including cases involving hospitalisation, long-term complications, and multi-claimant outbreaks. The focus is on building clear, evidence-driven cases that establish breach and causation. Final thought  This incident is a reminder that cruise illness claims are not limited to minor gastric issues. Where safety systems fail, the consequences can be severe and operators will be expected to answer for those failures.

We are currently instructed by a number of individuals who contracted Salmonella poisoning whilst staying at a resort in Sicily on an all-inclusive package holiday booked through Jet2holidays. Early indications suggest this may form part of a wider outbreak affecting multiple guests at the same hotel . If you were affected, you should seek legal advice as soon as possible. What Has Happened? We have now been contacted by several holidaymakers who report: Severe gastrointestinal illness during or shortly after their stay Confirmed or suspected Salmonella infection Multiple guests at the same resort falling ill at the same time In one case, our client contracted Salmonella poisoning in Sicily and was hospitalised for 8 days upon return to the UK . The situation was made more serious by underlying type 1 diabetes , significantly increasing the risks and complications. We are also aware of at least one fellow guest staying at the same hotel who became seriously ill with the same condition , raising serious concerns about food hygiene and infection control standards at the resort. Why This Matters Salmonella is not a minor illness. It can cause: Severe dehydration Prolonged diarrhoea and vomiting Hospitalisation in serious cases Increased risk where there are underlying health conditions Whilst many travellers reasonably expect high food hygiene standards within European resorts, our experience shows that this is not always the case. Our lawyers have previously acted for a family in a tragic case where a family member died after contracting Salmonella at the Grand Hotel in Italy. That case underlines the fact that, whilst uncommon, the consequences of foodborne illness can be extremely serious where proper standards are not maintained. Where multiple guests fall ill at the same hotel, this often points to systemic failures , such as: Contaminated food or poor food handling practices Inadequate hygiene standards Cross-contamination within buffet or kitchen areas Your Legal Rights If your holiday was booked as a package, your claim is governed by the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018. In straightforward terms: Your tour operator has a legal responsibility to ensure the hotel is safe You do not need to pursue the hotel abroad Claims are brought in the UK against the package provider Where illness arises due to poor hygiene or unsafe food, that is typically a clear breach of duty . Evidence Is Key If you were affected, the following can materially strengthen your claim: Medical records (UK or abroad) Stool sample confirmation of Salmonella Photographs of food, hygiene issues, or the hotel environment Booking confirmation showing the package provider Details of other guests who were ill Even if you do not have all of the above, you should still get in touch. We can assist in gathering the necessary evidence. A Pattern of Illness One of the most significant factors in cases like this is multiple guests becoming ill at the same resort . Where that pattern emerges, it strengthens: The argument that the illness originated at the hotel The likelihood of a common source outbreak The overall evidential position against the tour operator We are currently assessing whether this situation forms part of a larger cluster of claims . How We Can Help At Holiday Lawyers, we specialise in holiday illness claims , including outbreaks involving Salmonella, E. coli and other gastrointestinal infections. We have acted in claims involving: Major tour operators Large-scale hotel outbreaks High-value claims involving hospitalisation and complications We understand both the medical evidence and the legal framework required to pursue these cases effectively. Get in Touch If you stayed at a resort in Sicily with Jet2holidays and suffered from food poisoning or Salmonella, we would like to hear from you. You may have a claim for compensation, particularly where: You required medical treatment or hospitalisation Other guests were also unwell Your illness disrupted your holiday or recovery on return  Contact Holiday Lawyers today for a free, no-obligation assessment of your claim.

Holiday Lawyers continue to be instructed by clients who have suffered serious gastrointestinal illness following package holidays to Cape Verde. This latest instruction reflects a pattern seen repeatedly: holidaymakers returning to the UK with confirmed infections such as Shigella and Campylobacter, often linked to failures in food hygiene and sanitation standards within resort environments. As one of the firm’s solicitors explains, “we are continuing to see a consistent stream of clients returning from Cape Verde with very similar illnesses, which raises real concerns about hygiene standards at a number of resorts.” First-hand investigations into resort standards Our team has previously taken the step of attending resorts in Cape Verde alongside independent food hygiene experts to assess standards on the ground. Those investigations identified systemic issues capable of causing precisely the type of illnesses now being reported. Where hygiene practices fall below expected standards, the consequences for holidaymakers can be significant, particularly in all-inclusive environments where exposure is repeated over a number of days. From acute illness to long-term complications While many people associate food poisoning with a short-lived illness, the reality can be very different. In this case, the client not only suffered acute gastrointestinal symptoms but went on to develop Reactive arthritis, a recognised complication following bacterial infections such as Shigella and Campylobacter. Many holidaymakers remain unaware that an initial infection can lead to longer-term complications, including: Post-infective irritable bowel syndrome Joint pain and inflammation (reactive arthritis) Chronic fatigue and systemic symptoms Skin and autoimmune-related conditions In more serious cases, these symptoms can persist for months, years, or indefinitely, affecting quality of life and the ability to work. Our lawyers have acted for numerous clients in this position and have successfully recovered hundreds of thousands of pounds in damages for individuals who developed ongoing symptoms following an initial infection abroad. Low initial offers from tour operators A recurring feature in cases of this nature is the early compensation offer made directly by tour operators. In this instance, a very low offer was made despite clear medical evidence of ongoing complications. Based on our experience, such offers can significantly undervalue claims, particularly where long-term consequences have not yet been fully assessed. We have seen many cases where initial offers represent only a small proportion of the claim’s true value once expert medical evidence is obtained and the long-term impact is properly understood. The importance of independent legal advice Anyone who receives a compensation offer following illness abroad should consider obtaining independent legal advice before accepting it. An early offer may not: Reflect the full extent of medical evidence Account for long-term complications Include future losses or treatment needs Holidaymakers are free to seek advice from a solicitor of their choosing, whether through Holiday Lawyers or another independent firm. The key point is that the claim is properly valued before any settlement is agreed. A continuing pattern This latest instruction adds to a growing body of claims arising from holidays in Cape Verde. The consistency of reported illnesses and complications suggests an ongoing issue requiring careful scrutiny.  Holiday Lawyers remain available to advise individuals who have suffered illness abroad and to provide an objective assessment of any compensation offer received.

Holiday Lawyers continue to be instructed by individuals who have fallen seriously ill while staying at all-inclusive resorts in Cape Verde, and have today been contacted by a further client reporting significant gastrointestinal illness following a package holiday. The enquiry relates to a stay at Hotel Riu Cabo Verde in Sal, booked through TUI. The client reports becoming unwell on day two of the holiday with severe diarrhoea, requiring them to stop eating at the hotel for the remainder of the trip due to concerns about food safety. The illness continued for approximately one week after returning to the UK. Importantly, another member of the same travelling party, staying at the same hotel, also became seriously unwell, experiencing persistent vomiting throughout the holiday and remaining symptomatic for several weeks after returning home. A stool sample was provided in that case, and the illness was reported to the tour operator at the time. This pattern — early onset illness, multiple individuals affected within the same accommodation, and symptoms continuing after return to the UK — is consistent with a growing number of cases we are currently investigating. A developing pattern of illness in Cape Verde resorts Holiday Lawyers are presently acting for a number of clients who have reported illness at resorts across Cape Verde, particularly on the island of Sal. The reports share common features: Illness developing within the first few days of arrival; symptoms including diarrhoea, vomiting and stomach cramps; more than one person affected within the same hotel or travelling group; illness persisting after return to the UK. These are not isolated complaints. Taken together, they point towards potential systemic issues relating to food hygiene and safety standards within certain resort environments. First-hand investigations into food hygiene standards Holiday Lawyers have taken the additional step of travelling to Cape Verde with independent food hygiene experts to assess conditions on the ground. These inspections have identified a number of concerns consistent with the types of illness being reported by returning holidaymakers. While each case must be assessed on its own facts, the findings from these visits provide important context when considering whether reasonable hygiene standards are being maintained. Where food is prepared, stored or served in conditions that fall below acceptable standards, there is a clear risk of contamination and subsequent illness. Your legal position following illness abroad Where a package holiday has been booked through a UK tour operator such as TUI, consumers benefit from protection under the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018. In practical terms, this means that if illness is caused by failures in food hygiene or sanitation at the hotel, liability may rest with the tour operator, rather than requiring the consumer to pursue a claim overseas. Key factors that are typically relevant include the timing of the illness, whether others in the same accommodation were affected, medical evidence including GP attendance or stool samples, and whether the illness was reported to the hotel or tour operator. Even where a stool sample has not been provided, claims can still proceed where there is sufficient supporting evidence. What to do if you have been affected If you have experienced illness during a holiday in Cape Verde, it is important to seek legal advice at an early stage. Holiday Lawyers offer specialist expertise in international illness claims and have acted in a significant number of cases involving major tour operators. Our team understands both the evidential and strategic issues involved in pursuing these claims successfully. Contact Holiday Lawyers If you have been affected by illness during a holiday in Cape Verde, you can contact Holiday Lawyers for a confidential assessment of your case. We continue to be instructed in relation to these matters and are actively investigating claims arising from resorts across the region. Frequently asked questions – holiday illness in Cape Verde Can I claim compensation for illness in Cape Verde? Yes. If your illness was caused by poor food hygiene or contamination at a hotel booked as part of a package holiday, you may be entitled to bring a claim against the UK tour operator under the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018. Do I need a stool sample to make a holiday illness claim? No. While a stool sample can assist in identifying the cause of illness, claims can and do succeed without one. The timing of symptoms, medical records, and evidence that others were affected can be sufficient. Why are multiple people getting ill in Cape Verde resorts? Where more than one guest becomes unwell within the same hotel, it may indicate wider issues such as poor food handling, cross-contamination, or failures in hygiene standards. How long do symptoms of holiday food poisoning last? Symptoms can vary. In some cases, they resolve within a few days. In others, particularly where infection is more severe, symptoms can persist for several weeks after returning to the UK.  Who is responsible for illness on a package holiday? Where the holiday was booked as part of a package, responsibility typically rests with the tour operator. They are legally accountable for failures at the hotel or resort, including issues relating to food hygiene and sanitation.

We are currently instructed by 19 individuals who fell ill following stays at the Royalton resort in Jamaica in August 2025. Each account is fact-specific, but the pattern is consistent. Guests report the onset of significant gastrointestinal illness during the holiday period, with a number of cases subsequently confirmed as Salmonella by laboratory testing. One such case illustrates the severity of what has occurred. Our client became acutely unwell while abroad, experiencing severe abdominal pain, an inability to mobilise properly, and sustained gastrointestinal disturbance. The illness was later confirmed by medical evidence on return to the United Kingdom. This is not an isolated complaint. It is part of a defined group of individuals affected within the same location and timeframe. Ongoing symptoms months after the holiday What is particularly concerning is the persistence of symptoms. In the case referred to above, the client continues to experience fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, and difficulty returning to normal daily activities, including work and exercise. These symptoms have now endured for several months. That position is reflected across a number of those who have come forward. The suggestion that such illness is short-lived or self-limiting does not accord with the reality of what these individuals have experienced. A pattern consistent with systemic failure Where a number of guests report materially similar illness arising in the same hotel, during the same period, the issue is unlikely to be coincidental. Clusters of illness of this nature typically point towards a failure in food hygiene, preparation, or handling. In particular, they raise questions as to the sourcing and storage of food, cross-contamination controls, and the adequacy of sanitation procedures within the resort. These are not marginal issues. They go to the core of the safety obligations owed to guests. The broader context: increasing scrutiny of holiday illness outbreaks This matter arises at a time when holiday illness outbreaks are once again receiving national attention, with recent reporting highlighting large numbers of affected guests at overseas resorts. Such reporting reflects a wider issue within the industry. Where outbreaks occur at scale, they tend to expose systemic weaknesses rather than isolated lapses. Against that background, a cluster of 19 affected guests within a single resort is a matter that warrants careful scrutiny. Responsibility under the Package Travel Regulations Under the Package Travel Regulations, tour operators such as TUI are responsible for the proper performance of the holiday as a whole. That responsibility extends to ensuring that accommodation providers maintain appropriate standards of hygiene and food safety. Where a number of guests suffer illness in circumstances suggestive of contamination or poor hygiene, liability may arise without the need to identify the precise mechanism by which the illness was caused. The question is whether reasonable standards were met. On the facts presently emerging, that is likely to be a central issue. Delay in response despite detailed evidence We are aware that detailed claims have already been submitted directly to TUI in relation to this outbreak, supported by medical evidence, receipts, photographic material, and witness accounts. Despite this, there has been a lack of meaningful engagement over a period exceeding six months. That delay is not uncommon in cases of this nature, but it reinforces the need for claims to be progressed in a structured and formal manner. Seeking legal advice following illness abroad Where individuals have suffered illness during a package holiday — particularly where symptoms are severe or ongoing — it is important that the position is properly assessed. The presence of multiple affected guests within the same resort may be highly significant in establishing the underlying cause of the illness and the responsibility for it.

Holiday Lawyers have been contacted by a growing number of holidaymakers who have suffered serious illness while staying in Cape Verde, as concerns mount following widespread reports of gastric illness across hotels on the islands. We are currently acting for a group of 19 individuals affected by a specific outbreak at a hotel in Cape Verde, all of whom reported symptoms consistent with severe food poisoning on holiday. These cases form part of a broader pattern now emerging, with national media reporting that as many as 1,700 British holidaymakers have been affected in recent incidents across the region. The consistency of symptoms reported to us – including acute diarrhoea, vomiting, fever and prolonged gastrointestinal issues – raises serious questions about hygiene standards, food handling practices, and the adequacy of preventative systems in place at certain hotels. What distinguishes these claims is not simply the volume, but the recurrence of similar complaints across different time periods and locations within Cape Verde. This points towards systemic issues rather than isolated incidents. Holiday Lawyers are uniquely placed in this area. Our lawyers have personally travelled to Cape Verde and inspected a number of hotels used by major tour operators, including TUI Group. During those visits, a number of concerning issues were identified, including poor food hygiene practices, inadequate temperature control, and sanitation concerns within food preparation and service areas. These observations align closely with the accounts now being provided by affected holidaymakers. Where a package holiday is booked through a UK tour operator, there are clear legal protections in place. Under the Package Travel Regulations, tour operators are responsible for ensuring that hotels meet appropriate standards of safety and hygiene. Where those standards fall short and illness results, affected holidaymakers may be entitled to bring a claim for compensation. The fact that multiple outbreaks are now being reported, alongside our own direct experience of conditions on the ground, suggests that these cases are unlikely to be isolated. Instead, they reflect a wider issue that tour operators must now address. Holidaymakers who have suffered illness in Cape Verde are encouraged to seek legal advice promptly. Early investigation allows for evidence to be preserved and strengthens the prospects of a successful claim. Holiday Lawyers continue to investigate these matters and act for affected clients, with further claims expected as awareness grows

Holiday Lawyers is concerned to learn of further reported fatalities in Cape Verde, which may be linked to poor hygiene standards in hotels and form part of a wider pattern of serious gastrointestinal illness affecting British travellers. Our lawyers have previously travelled to Cape Verde to investigate conditions within resort hotels and have been concerned by what they observed in relation to food hygiene and safety practices. We have been contacted by a number of individuals who have suffered significant illness following holidays in Cape Verde, and we have extensive experience handling claims arising from such outbreaks. Our lead partner has dealt with multiple cases involving illness in Cape Verde and was directly involved in investigations on the ground. These issues have also attracted national media attention, including reporting by The Telegraph. He previously led the team at Irwin Mitchell acting for claimants affected by illness outbreaks in Cape Verde. While that firm continues to represent individuals in similar cases, he now brings that experience and insight to clients through Holiday Lawyers.

Cruise holidays are marketed as safe, inclusive, and accessible — particularly for passengers who rely on wheelchairs. But when basic safety standards are not met, the consequences can be severe. We are currently acting in a case involving a full-time wheelchair user who suffered a serious injury on a cruise ship , after being thrown from their chair due to a dangerously designed ramp . What happened? Our client describes a shocking incident: “I was thrown from my wheelchair as I went through a door from the promenade. The ramp on the inside was so steep it was more like a step. No signage, no warnings, nothing.” The key issues are clear: A steep internal ramp , effectively functioning as a step No warning signage No hazard markings or staff assistance A location where wheelchair users would reasonably expect safe passage This is not a minor defect. It is a foreseeable and preventable hazard — particularly in an environment designed to accommodate disabled passengers. Why cruise operators must get accessibility right Cruise lines owe a high duty of care to passengers, especially where: Accessibility features are relied upon Passengers are known to have mobility needs Movement between decks and public areas is frequent In cases like this, liability may arise from: Unsafe design (e.g. excessive ramp gradient) Failure to warn of a hazard Failure to carry out proper risk assessments Failure to comply with accessibility standards A ramp that behaves like a step — without warning — is a textbook example of a dangerous condition . The additional failure: ignoring the complaint Our client did exactly what they should: Reported the incident immediately on return Raised a formal complaint with the cruise line The response? Nothing. No communication at all. This is something we see regularly. Cruise operators often: Delay responses Downplay incidents Hope passengers simply walk away That is precisely why early legal intervention matters. Can you claim for a cruise ship injury? If you have been injured on a cruise, particularly as a wheelchair user or passenger with reduced mobility, you may be entitled to compensation where: The environment was unsafe Proper accessibility measures were not in place You were not warned of a hazard The cruise line failed to respond appropriately Claims can include: Pain and suffering Loss of enjoyment of your holiday Medical expenses Ongoing care or rehabilitation Why these cases are different Cruise injury claims are not straightforward. They often involve: International conventions (such as the Athens Convention) Complex jurisdiction issues Evidence tied to ship design and onboard procedures That is why it is critical to instruct solicitors who understand: Cruise-specific liability frameworks Accessibility standards at sea How to secure evidence early Our approach at Holiday Lawyers We take a direct and proactive approach: Early investigation of the design and layout of the hazard Securing photographic and witness evidence Instructing appropriate engineering and accessibility experts Applying pressure where cruise lines fail to engage We are not interested in excuses or delays — only outcomes. If this has happened to you If you or a family member has suffered an injury on a cruise, particularly involving: Wheelchair access Unsafe ramps or steps Lack of warnings Poor response from the operator We can help.  Speak to us today At Holiday Lawyers , we specialise in holding tour operators and cruise companies to account. If your holiday has been ruined by an avoidable injury, we will pursue the claim properly — and maximise your recovery.

Holiday illness specialists Holiday Lawyers have been instructed by the family of a young child who became seriously ill during a package holiday to Turkey, raising questions about the adequacy of an early settlement offer made by the tour operator. The case highlights a recurring issue seen in travel litigation: tour operators making early ex‑gratia offers which may significantly undervalue the true legal value of a claim. Child hospitalised during Turkey package holiday The family approached Holiday Lawyers after their five‑year‑old daughter became seriously unwell during a holiday in Turkey in August 2025. According to the information provided, the child was diagnosed with Amoebiasis and Salmonella infection. The illness was sufficiently severe that she required approximately one week of hospital treatment during the holiday. The experience understandably caused significant distress to both the child and her parents, and the family sought to resolve the matter with the tour operator directly after returning to the UK. Ex‑gratia payment of £1,500 offered After raising the issue with the tour operator, the family reports that TUI offered a payment of £1,500 on an ex‑gratia basis. An ex‑gratia payment is typically offered without any admission of liability and is often presented as a gesture of goodwill. However, early settlement offers in holiday illness cases frequently do not reflect the potential legal value of a claim, particularly where a child has been hospitalised, the illness is confirmed by medical diagnosis, the family’s holiday was substantially disrupted, or there is evidence suggesting possible hygiene failures at the resort. Early offers often undervalue holiday illness claims Holiday Lawyers has acted in a large number of holiday illness cases involving resorts across Turkey, Spain, Greece and other popular destinations. In our experience, where a claim is properly investigated and pursued through the legal process, damages recovered can be substantially higher than early tour operator offers. In many cases clients have recovered multiples of the original offer once the claim has been fully investigated. This is because a formal claim can include compensation for pain and suffering caused by the illness, loss of enjoyment of the holiday, medical treatment and expenses, additional accommodation or travel costs, and ongoing symptoms or recovery periods. The legal framework for holiday illness claims Claims arising from illness on a package holiday are typically brought under the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018. These regulations place responsibility on tour operators for failures in the services included within the package holiday. This can include hotel accommodation, food and drink provided at the resort, hygiene and sanitation standards, and the general safety of facilities provided to guests. Where contamination or poor hygiene causes illness, the tour operator may be legally liable for the resulting injuries and losses suffered by holidaymakers. Investigating food poisoning and illness abroad Holiday illness claims often require detailed investigation including medical records and laboratory confirmation of infection, microbiology reports, hotel hygiene documentation, and witness evidence from other affected guests. Such evidence can sometimes reveal systemic food hygiene problems or contamination risks within a resort which would not otherwise be examined unless a formal legal claim is pursued. Holiday Lawyers — specialists in holiday illness claims Holiday Lawyers acts for travellers who have suffered illness while staying at hotels and resorts booked as part of package holidays. The firm has experience handling claims involving Salmonella, E. coli, Campylobacter, Amoebiasis and other gastrointestinal infections. Our team works with medical experts and travel law specialists to ensure that claims are fully investigated and properly valued. Contact Holiday Lawyers If you or a member of your family became ill during a package holiday and were offered compensation by the tour operator, it is important to understand whether that offer reflects the true value of the claim. Holiday Lawyers can advise on your options and investigate whether you may be entitled to significantly higher compensation.  You can contact our team through the enquiry page on our website to discuss your case.