Epidemiological update: Shigellosis and other gastrointestinal infections in travellers returning from Cabo Verde

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Source: ECDC News

Original: https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/news-events/epidemiological-update-shigellosis-and...

Published: Wed, 18 Mar 2026 10:32:55 +0100

Since October 2025, cases of shigellosis and salmonellosis have been reported in travelers returning from Cape Verde to England, Scotland and Wales[1]. Shigella is a bacterium that causes an infection of the digestive tract with symptoms of severe diarrhea, fever, and abdominal pain, with most people recovering within a week[1]. Certain groups, such as the elderly, people with weakened immune systems, pregnant women and children under the age of five, have a higher risk of complications, including sepsis[1]. Shigella is spread by contact with contaminated turbidity directly between people or indirectly through contaminated food, water or surfaces[1]. The outbreak in Cape Verde is caused by the bacterium Shigella sonnei[2]. Salmonellosis is a bacterial infection affecting the intestine with symptoms of diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever that usually appear 12 to 72 hours after infection[1]. Most cases of salmonellosis come from contaminated food and water[1]. Since October 2025, 43 cases of salmonellosis have been confirmed in three separate travel-related clusters in Cape Verde[3].