Cape Verde Illness Claims Rise as Holidaymakers Report Serious Gastric Symptoms

Priyesh Vaghjiani • April 7, 2026

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

By Holiday Lawyers May 19, 2026
Specialist international illness solicitors at Holiday Lawyers have been instructed by a family whose package holiday to Greece booked through easyJet was allegedly ruined after one member of the family contracted E. coli whilst abroad. The family raised major concerns regarding the hygiene standards at the hotel during the course of the holiday, including concerns relating to the quality of the food and hygiene arrangements at the resort. The family also report that they were left with no option but to consume unbottled water during the holiday. Disturbingly, the family further allege that sewage poured into their hotel room from above during their stay, causing significant distress and concern regarding sanitation and health risks at the property. Medical investigations have since confirmed an E. coli infection. Holiday Lawyers are now assisting the family in obtaining independent medical evidence in order to assess the full extent of the illness and any ongoing symptoms or long term consequences arising from the infection. A confirmed E. coli diagnosis often significantly assists from a legal perspective in holiday illness litigation. E. coli infections can be extremely serious and, in some cases, may lead to prolonged gastrointestinal complications and other long term health issues. Aman Dhillon, founder of Holiday Lawyers, has acted in a number of serious international illness and injury claims arising from holidays abroad. He remains passionate about securing justice for families affected by serious illness whilst travelling overseas. Our lawyers have represented thousands of clients and recovered millions of pounds in damages for people affected by gastric illness and food poisoning whilst abroad. Many of those claims have involved confirmed pathogens including E. coli, Salmonella, Campylobacter and Shigella. Holiday Lawyers regularly work alongside leading microbiologists and medical experts in order to establish liability quickly and effectively. Holiday Lawyers currently act for a number of families pursuing claims against tour operators arising from illness contracted during holidays abroad, including claims involving holidays to Greece and Egypt. Claims relating to package holidays are commonly pursued in the courts of England and Wales pursuant to the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018. If you or your family have suffered illness during or after a package holiday abroad, you may be entitled to bring a claim for compensation.  To speak with a specialist holiday illness solicitor, contact Holiday Lawyers today.
By Holiday Lawyers May 19, 2026
Specialist international illness solicitors at Holiday Lawyers have been instructed by the parents of a one year old child who sadly contracted Salmonella whilst on a package holiday to Egypt booked through easyJet. The child became seriously unwell during and following the holiday, with symptoms consistent with a significant gastrointestinal infection. Medical investigations have since confirmed a diagnosis of Salmonella. Holiday Lawyers are now assisting the family in obtaining independent medical evidence in order to assess the full extent of the illness, the ongoing impact upon the child, and any long term consequences arising from the infection. The firm is also preparing a claim against easyJet in relation to the package holiday. Aman Dhillon, founder of Holiday Lawyers, has acted in a number of serious international illness and injury claims arising from holidays abroad, including cases involving children who have suffered catastrophic illness whilst on package holidays in Egypt. He remains passionate about securing justice for families affected by serious illness abroad. Our lawyers have represented thousands of clients and recovered millions of pounds in damages for people affected by gastric illness and food poisoning whilst abroad. Many of those claims have involved confirmed pathogens including Salmonella, E. coli, Campylobacter and Shigella. Holiday Lawyers regularly work alongside leading microbiologists and medical experts in order to establish liability quickly and effectively. Holiday Lawyers currently act for a number of families pursuing claims against tour operators arising from illness contracted during holidays in Egypt. Sadly, the firm continues to receive enquiries from holidaymakers reporting serious gastric illness following stays at hotels and resorts across the region. Claims relating to package holidays are commonly pursued in the courts of England and Wales pursuant to the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018, which provide important protections for consumers who suffer illness whilst abroad. If you or your family have suffered illness during or after a holiday in Egypt, you may be entitled to bring a claim for compensation.  To speak with a specialist holiday illness solicitor, contact Holiday Lawyers today.