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Outbreak
Shigella outbreak linked to travel to Cape Verde
1 month ago •source foodsafetynews.com
United Kingdom
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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