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Shigella outbreak linked to travel to Cape Verde
2 months ago •source foodsafetynews.com
United Kingdom
Update February 5th, 2026:The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed that the Shigella outbreak linked to travel to Cape Verde has increased to 158 confirmed cases reported since October 1, 2025. Of these, 118 reported international travel, and 112 (95%) traveled to Cape Verde, primarily to the Santa Maria and Boa Vista areas.
In addition, UKHSA has identified a separate increase in Salmonella cases associated with travel to Cape Verde. Since October 1, 2025, 43 Salmonella cases across three genetically linked clusters have been connected to travel to the country.
Health officials continue to investigate both outbreaks and are working with international partners. The investigation remains ongoing.
Source: www.gov.uk/government/news/ukhsa-reminds-travellers-to-cape-verde-to-protect-against-gastrointestinal-infections
December 4th, 2025:
More than 130 people in the United Kingdom have contracted Shigella infections, with the majority having traveled to Cape Verde prior to falling ill. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has identified 137 confirmed cases, primarily affecting women, across England, Scotland, and Wales.
The outbreak, which began in October, involves Shigella sonnei, with 113 cases in England and 12 each in Scotland and Wales. Affected individuals range from under 1 year old to 81 years old, with a median age of 54. The most impacted age group is 50 to 59 years old. Genetic analysis of samples suggests a common source, and the investigation involves Public Health Scotland, Public Health Wales, and the Public Health Agency in Northern Ireland.
The outbreak is linked to travel to Cape Verde, with 116 of the 137 cases reporting international travel, and 109 having visited Cape Verde, particularly the Santa Maria and Boa Vista areas. The strain of Shigella sonnei involved does not show resistance to common antimicrobials used for treating traveler's diarrhea. UKHSA is continuing international communications and investigations to address the outbreak.
Source: www.foodsafetynews.com/2025/12/ukhsa-reports-travel-related-shigella-outbreak/
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