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 July 4, 2026
Reports of a multi-country salmonella outbreak linked to flavoured noodle products are deeply concerning and serve as another reminder that foodborne illness remains a significant public health issue. More than 100 confirmed cases have now been identified across the UK and 13 other European countries, with many of those affected being children and young adults. ( Sky News ) At Holiday Lawyers, we have represented holidaymakers and consumers affected by food poisoning for many years. From salmonella and E. coli outbreaks at hotels and resorts to serious gastrointestinal illnesses caused by poor food hygiene, we have seen first hand the devastating impact these infections can have on individuals and families. Aman Dhillon, Solicitor Advocate and founder of Holiday Lawyers, said: “Whilst the investigation into this outbreak continues, it is a timely reminder that food safety standards must never be taken for granted. Salmonella can cause serious illness, particularly in children, older people and those with underlying health conditions. We have acted for countless individuals whose holidays and lives have been turned upside down by preventable foodborne infections. Every outbreak should prompt careful investigation so that lessons are learned and future cases are prevented.” According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), investigators believe flavoured noodle products are the most likely source of the outbreak. At least 106 confirmed cases have been reported between November 2025 and June 2026, with 49 people requiring hospital treatment. Authorities have linked the infections to products distributed across multiple European countries, although investigations remain ongoing. ( European Food Safety Authority ) Recognising Salmonella Symptoms Salmonella infection commonly causes: Diarrhoea Stomach cramps Fever Nausea and vomiting Headaches Dehydration in more severe cases Symptoms typically develop within six to seventy two hours of exposure and can last several days. While most people recover without medical treatment, some infections become serious enough to require hospitalisation. What Should You Do If You Become Ill? If you believe you have contracted salmonella, it is important to: Seek medical advice promptly, particularly if symptoms are severe. Follow any advice regarding stool sample testing. Keep receipts or packaging for any suspected food products where possible. Report concerns to the relevant health authorities if advised. Retain records of any medical treatment and financial losses. These steps can assist both public health investigations and any subsequent legal claim where negligence is established. We Continue to Act for Victims of Foodborne Illness Holiday Lawyers continues to be instructed by individuals who have suffered serious illness after consuming contaminated food, both abroad and within the UK. Our team has extensive experience pursuing claims arising from salmonella, E. coli, campylobacter, norovirus and other foodborne infections. If you or a member of your family has suffered serious food poisoning and believe it may have resulted from unsafe food practices, our specialist team can advise you on your legal options. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this latest outbreak, and we hope that the ongoing investigation identifies the source quickly so that any remaining risks to the public can be eliminated.
By Holiday Lawyers June 26, 2026
HolidayLawyers continues to be instructed by holidaymakers who report suffering serious gastrointestinal illness during stays at the Royalton Splash Riviera Cancun in early 2026. We have now received a number of enquiries from guests describing strikingly similar symptoms, with some requiring hospital treatment in Mexico and others becoming seriously unwell after returning home. As further enquiries continue to be received, we are investigating whether these illnesses formed part of a wider outbreak. Holidaymakers Report Serious Illness During Their Stay One of the latest clients to instruct HolidayLawyers stayed at the Royalton Splash Riviera Cancun between 31 January and 7 February 2026. During the holiday, the client became so seriously unwell that, after being examined by the hotel's doctor, an ambulance was called to transport them to Hospiten Cancun. They were diagnosed with gastroenteritis and received treatment before being discharged. The client reports that numerous other guests at the hotel were also suffering from similar symptoms during the same period, with several allegedly requiring hospital treatment. Illness Continued After Returning Home The same client also reports that their partner became seriously unwell during the return flight to the United Kingdom. Cabin crew sought assistance from a doctor travelling onboard the aircraft and, upon landing, the passenger was taken directly to East Surrey Hospital. The partner was subsequently diagnosed with gastroenteritis. HolidayLawyers has been provided with medical records, hospital documentation and photographs in support of the claim. Reports Suggest a Wider Outbreak HolidayLawyers has now received multiple enquiries from guests who report becoming unwell during stays at the Royalton Splash Riviera Cancun over the same period. Clients have also referred us to social media groups in which numerous guests describe experiencing similar symptoms. We have further been informed that a flight returning to Canada carrying guests from the hotel was reportedly met by ambulances after a number of passengers became seriously ill. These reports are currently being investigated. At this stage, they remain allegations and no findings have been made as to the cause of the illnesses. Hotel Offered Marriott Bonvoy Points The latest client has informed HolidayLawyers that, after complaining directly to the hotel, they were offered 90,000 Marriott Bonvoy points as compensation. The offer was declined. If you have received vouchers, loyalty points or another form of goodwill gesture following illness during your holiday, it is sensible to obtain independent legal advice before accepting any offer, as doing so could affect your legal position. What Should You Do If You Became Ill? If you experienced sickness, diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach cramps or other gastrointestinal symptoms during your stay at the Royalton Splash Riviera Cancun, or shortly after returning home, you should: Seek medical attention as soon as possible. Keep copies of all medical records and prescriptions. Retain photographs of your symptoms where appropriate. Keep your booking confirmation and travel documents. Save receipts for any expenses incurred. Retain correspondence with the hotel or tour operator. If possible, obtain and retain the results of any stool sample or laboratory testing. Could You Be Entitled to Compensation? Where illness has been caused by contaminated food, contaminated water or inadequate hygiene standards at a hotel, holidaymakers may be entitled to claim compensation for: Pain, suffering and loss of amenity. Medical expenses. Loss of earnings. Care and assistance. Loss of enjoyment of the holiday. Other financial losses arising from the illness. Each claim will depend upon its own facts and the available medical and factual evidence. Contact HolidayLawyers HolidayLawyers continues to investigate reports of gastrointestinal illness affecting guests who stayed at the Royalton Splash Riviera Cancun during this period.  If you or a member of your family became unwell during your stay, or shortly after returning home, please contact our specialist holiday illness solicitors for a free, no obligation assessment of your potential claim.