Health
Shigellosis outbreak strains Cabo Verde health and tourism
A growing shigellosis outbreak in Cabo Verde has affected more than 1,000 travelers in March 2026, prompting health alerts and travel advisories across the archipelago.
Cabo Verde is facing a significant shigellosis outbreak that has impacted over 1,000 travelers in March 2026, primarily in the capital Praia and now spreading across islands including São Vicente and Santo Antão. The bacterial infection, transmitted through contaminated food and water, causes acute diarrhea, fever, and abdominal pain and is putting pressure on local health services and tourism infrastructure. Health authorities have issued travel advisories, urging strict hygiene measures such as drinking only bottled or boiled water, avoiding raw foods and unlicensed street vendors, and using high‑alcohol hand sanitizer. Hotel occupancy and flight bookings have declined as tour operators cancel packages, while Cabo Verde’s health ministry and tourism board are working to upgrade sanitation and water systems through mid‑2026 to contain the outbreak and restore visitor confidence.
- Status
- active
- Location
- Praia, Cabo Verde
- Date added
- 2026-03-26 01:42 UTC
- Last updated
- 2026-03-26 01:42 UTC
- Source
- Nomad Lawyer
- Connected threats
- Not provided