Cape Verde Stomach Bug Deaths: 6 British Families Seek Answers in Major TUI Legal Action
By the Health & Legal Investigation Team Last Updated: February 2026
A luxury holiday in the sun is supposed to be a time for relaxation, but for hundreds of British tourists, a trip to Cape Verde has become a nightmare. Within just four months in late 2025, four British holidaymakers lost their lives after staying at five-star resorts in Sal and Boa Vista. This recent cluster of fatalities has brought the total number of confirmed Cape Verde stomach bug deaths to six since January 2023.
What was promised as a paradise escape has spiralled into a significant public health crisis. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has now confirmed 137 cases of Shigella sonnei infections among returning travellers, while over 1,500 holidaymakers have launched legal claims against the tour operator, TUI UK Limited.
This investigation examines the timeline of these fatalities, the medical reality of the bacterial outbreak, and the critical legal steps being taken in the High Court as of February 2026. If you or a family member have been affected, this guide also provides the essential safety protocols and legal routes you need to know.
The Fatal Outbreak: A Timeline of Cape Verde Gastric Illness Fatalities
The tragic reality of these Cape Verde stomach bug deaths is that they were not isolated incidents. They represent a recurring pattern of hygiene failures that have escalated over the last three years. The most alarming development occurred between August and November 2025, when a concentrated cluster of deaths raised serious questions about resort safety protocols.
Recent Victims (August – November 2025)
The families of those who died are currently seeking answers through the UK legal system. Their stories highlight how quickly a “holiday bug” can turn fatal.
- Elena Walsh (64): A retired business owner from Ireland, Elena was staying at the Riu Cabo Verde hotel. She fell ill during her stay and tragically passed away in August 2025. Her death was the first in a rapid series of fatalities that alerted legal experts to a potential outbreak.
- Karen Pooley (64): Visiting from Leamington Spa, Karen was holidaying at the Riu Palace Santa Maria. She died in October 2025. Her death certificate cited multi-organ failure and sepsis, conditions directly triggered by severe gastric infection.
- Mark Ashley (55): Perhaps the most shocking case for many was that of Mark Ashley. A healthy 55-year-old, he collapsed at his home in November 2025, shortly after returning from the Riu Palace Santa Maria. His sudden death underscored the danger of Shigella, which can continue to ravage the body even after a traveller has returned to UK soil.
The 2023–2024 Precedents
While the 2025 deaths captured recent headlines, the warning signs were visible much earlier.
Jane Pressley (62) from Gainsborough died in January 2023. She had contracted a severe gastric illness the previous November while staying at the Riu Palace Santa Maria. Despite initial treatment, her condition deteriorated upon her return to the UK.
Similarly, a traveller from Watford passed away in 2024 following a stay at the same resort group. These earlier cases form a crucial part of the current legal argument: that the tour operators and hotel management were aware of the hygiene risks long before the fatal autumn of 2025.
Investigative Reconstruction: The Critical 72 Hours
Based on witness statements from the Ashley family and others, the onset of this illness follows a terrifyingly rapid trajectory.
- Day 1: It often starts with “holiday tummy”, mild cramping and nausea that many dismiss as a reaction to rich food or heat.
- Day 2: The condition escalates to explosive diarrhoea, fever, and violent shivering. This is the hallmark of Shigella dysentery, not just “food poisoning.”
- Day 3: For vulnerable patients, dehydration sets in. If bacteria enter the bloodstream (bacteraemia), the body’s immune system can trigger sepsis. This is the tipping point where a hotel room illness becomes a life-or-death medical emergency.
Shigella Sonnei: Understanding the Pathogen in Cape Verde
To understand why these Cape Verde stomach bug deaths are occurring, we must look at the specific pathogen involved. The UKHSA and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) have identified the culprit as Shigella sonnei, a bacterium that causes shigellosis (bacillary dysentery).
Symptoms and the Danger of Sepsis
Unlike common food poisoning caused by Salmonella or E. coli, Shigella is highly infectious and aggressive. It requires a very small dose to cause infection, sometimes as few as 10 to 100 bacteria.
Key Symptoms of Shigellosis:
- Diarrhoea (often containing blood or mucus)
- Stomach cramping (tenesmus)
- High fever and nausea
- Vomiting
The Sepsis Link:
The fatalities listed above, specifically Karen Pooley and Mark Ashley, succumbed to complications like sepsis. Sepsis occurs when the body’s response to the infection injures its own tissues and organs. In the context of Shigella, if the gut lining is severely damaged, bacteria can leak into the bloodstream, leading to septic shock and multi-organ failure.
Who is Most at Risk?
Data from the 137 confirmed UK cases shows a clear demographic trend. The median age of those infected is 54, with cases ranging from young adults to the elderly.
However, the risk of fatality increases sharply for:
- Older Adults (50+): Immune responses may be slower.
- Diabetics: High blood sugar levels can impair the immune system’s ability to fight bacterial infections, making sepsis more likely.
- Immunocompromised Individuals: Those on medication or with conditions that weaken immune defence.
[NHS Guide to Shigellosis Symptoms]
Inside the Resorts: Riu Palace Santa Maria and Hygiene Failures
The majority of the legal claims and reported fatalities are linked to a specific cluster of all-inclusive hotels, primarily the Riu Palace Santa Maria on Sal Island. Other properties such as the Riu Cabo Verde and Riu Funana have also been cited in illness reports.
Specific Allegations of Negligence
Legal filings from Irwin Mitchell, the firm representing the families, paint a grim picture of the hygiene standards at these five-star rated resorts. Over 1,000 accounts from holidaymakers describe systemic failures.
Witness Reports Include:
- Temperature Abuse: High-risk foods like chicken, eggs, and seafood left uncovered at lukewarm temperatures for hours, creating a perfect breeding ground for bacteria.
- Cross-Contamination: Raw meat being handled with the same utensils as cooked food or salad.
- Pest Infestation: Multiple reports of flies swarming the buffet and birds pecking at food on open terraces.
- Water Safety: Use of tap water (which is not potable in Cape Verde) for washing salad or making ice, despite warnings.
The Geography of Risk
Why is this happening specifically in Cape Verde? The Santa Maria area on Sal Island has seen rapid tourism expansion. Infrastructure struggles to keep pace with the volume of visitors in these mega-resorts.
Table: Reported Hygiene Complaints by Resort (2023–2025)
| Resort Name | Location | Primary Complaints | Status |
| Riu Palace Santa Maria | Sal Island | Severe gastric illness, lukewarm food, flies in buffet | High Risk (Site of multiple fatalities) |
| Riu Cabo Verde | Sal Island | Shigella confirmed, pool hygiene issues | High Risk (Site of Elena Walsh fatality) |
| Riu Funana | Sal Island | Recurrent sickness reports, community pool contamination | Moderate Risk |
| Riu Karamboa | Boa Vista | Isolated gastric illness reports | Watch List |
TUI Under Fire: The February 2026 High Court Proceedings
The legal fallout from these Cape Verde stomach bug deaths is massive. TUI UK Limited, the tour operator that sold these package holidays, is now facing one of its largest group actions in recent history.
The Class Action Status
As of February 2, 2026, Irwin Mitchell confirms they are representing over 1,500 holidaymakers. This “group action” allows claimants to pool their resources and evidence, making a stronger case against a corporate giant like TUI.
A pivotal hearing took place at the High Court in London on February 4, 2026. The court is currently examining the evidence to determine liability. The sheer volume of cases, spanning from 2022 to the present, suggests this was not a “freak event” but a long-term failure to manage risk.
TUI’s Legal Defence and Duty of Care
Under the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018, TUI has a statutory “duty of care” to its customers. This means they are liable if the services provided (including the hotel accommodation and food) are not performed with “reasonable skill and care.”
The Core Legal Argument:
- Claimants Argument: TUI continued to send tourists to Riu Palace Santa Maria and other resorts despite knowing about the ongoing Shigella outbreak and the earlier deaths in 2023 and 2024.
- TUI’s Position: The tour operator typically denies liability in the initial stages, often arguing that the illness could have been contracted outside the hotel or via person-to-person contact rather than resort negligence.
[Irwin Mitchell Cape Verde Case Update]
Essential Safety Checklist for UK Travellers to Cape Verde
If you have a holiday booked to Cape Verde, the current advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and NaTHNaC does not ban travel, but it urges extreme caution.
Food and Water “Golden Rules”
To protect yourself and your family, strict adherence to hygiene protocols is necessary, even in 5-star all-inclusive environments.
- Boil It, Cook It, Peel It, or Forget It: This old travel mantra saves lives. Avoid salads, unpeeled fruit, and uncooked vegetables.
- Water Discipline: Drink only sealed bottled water. Use bottled water for brushing your teeth. Avoid ice cubes in drinks unless you are certain they were made from purified water.
- Hand Hygiene: Alcohol hand gels are effective against many germs, but Shigella is robust. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and bottled water before every meal.
- Buffet Vigilance: Order cooked-to-order dishes (like omelettes or pasta) where you can watch the food being cooked fresh and hot. Avoid trays that look like they have been sitting out.
Pro-Tip: What to Document if You Fall Ill
If you or a family member start showing symptoms, taking the right steps immediately can be crucial for your health and any future legal claim.
- Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Do not just “ride it out.” Visit the resort doctor or a local clinic. Ask for a stool sample test to confirm the pathogen.
- Report It Formally: Log a complaint with the TUI rep in the resort and via the TUI app. Take a screenshot or photo of the report.
- Gather Evidence:
- Take photos of any hygiene failures (e.g., birds on food, undercooked meat).
- Keep receipts for any medication or medical treatment.
- Exchange contact details with other guests who are also ill.
- Do Not Sign Waivers: Sometimes resorts may offer a small compensation (like a free excursion or voucher) in exchange for signing a document. Read everything carefully. Do not sign anything that waives your right to claim later.
FAQs
Is it safe to travel to Cape Verde right now (2026)?
While travel is permitted, there is an elevated risk of gastric illness in the Santa Maria area of Sal Island. The UKHSA advises strict food and water hygiene. If you are vulnerable (elderly or immunocompromised), consult your GP before travel.
What are the symptoms of Shigella from Cape Verde?
Symptoms include fever, severe stomach cramping, and diarrhoea that may contain blood or mucus. In severe cases, it can lead to dehydration and sepsis.
Which hotels in Cape Verde have had stomach bug outbreaks?
The highest number of claims and the recent fatalities are linked to the Riu Palace Santa Maria, Riu Cabo Verde, and Riu Funana on Sal Island.
Can you die from a stomach bug in Cape Verde?
Yes. While rare, six British tourists have died since 2023 due to complications from gastric illnesses contracted in Cape Verde. Sepsis is the primary cause of death in these cases.
How do I join the TUI Cape Verde illness claim?
If you have suffered illness at a TUI resort in Cape Verde in the last three years, contact a specialist travel law firm like Irwin Mitchell. You will need proof of your booking and medical evidence of your illness.
What should I do if I have a holiday booked to Riu Palace Santa Maria?
Contact TUI to discuss your options. While they may not offer a free cancellation unless the FCDO advises against travel, you might be able to amend your booking to a different destination or hotel.
What is the UK government advice on Cape Verde travel?
The FCDO and NaTHNaC advise travellers to maintain high standards of food and water hygiene and to be aware of the risk of Shigella sonnei.
How long do Shigella symptoms last?
Symptoms typically last 5 to 7 days, but post-infectious complications (like irritable bowel syndrome) can persist for months.
Summary
The situation in Cape Verde is a sobering reminder that a “5-star” rating is no guarantee of safety. The tragic loss of six lives, including the recent deaths of Elena Walsh, Karen Pooley, and Mark Ashley, has exposed deep systemic failures in resort hygiene monitoring.
With over 1,500 people now seeking justice through the High Court, the pressure is on TUI and hotel management to overhaul their safety standards. For now, British travellers must remain hyper-vigilant. The risk of Cape Verde stomach bug deaths is real, and the consequences of a simple hygiene lapse can be devastating.
If you have been affected by illness during a package holiday, you have rights. Prioritise your health, document the negligence, and seek professional advice.
[Contact UK Health Security Agency]
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