The woman died after becoming ill (Image: Getty)
An eighth Brit died after a getaway to Cape Verde amid a shigella outbreak, it is thought. A 71-year-old retired civil servant suffered a heart attack during a flight home, it has been reported. It is believed her hotel room had no water to shower or flush toilets. A post-mortem concluded that she probably suffered dehydration and fever due to the bacterial illness, which increased demand on her enlarged heart.
The pensioner, from Berkshire, passed away in 2024, and her family has spoken out after hearing of similar cases.
Elena Walsh, 64, from Birmingham, Mark Ashley, 55, of Bedfordshire, 64-year-old Karen Pooley, from Gloucestershire, and a 56-year-old man all died last year after contracting severe gastric illnesses while on the islands off the coast of west Africa.
In February, it was reported that law firm Irwin Mitchell were representing the families of six people who had died and more than 1,500 people who had fallen ill after visits to Cape Verde.
It said four British people died within four months after being struck down with stomach bugs while on holiday there.
READ MORE: ‘Unhinged’ Trump sparks further health worries after hospitalisation claims
READ MORE: DVLA scraps 32,944 driving licences after being told about specific condition
Elena Walsh passed away after becoming unwell during a dream family holiday (Image: PA)
TUI told The Sun health and safety is its priority.
It is understood that researchers collected 156 samples from drinking water, fresh food, and food preparation surfaces and irrigation systems.
Shigella bacteria were found on some imported foods, as well as in irrigation water used to wash produce.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) recorded 137 cases of shigella between October and December. About 80% of patients recently went to Cape Verde.
The Government says on its website: “The UK Health Security Agency is investigating an increase in reports of Shigella sonnei and Salmonella infection in travellers returning from Cape Verde.
“If you have an underlying health condition, speak to a healthcare professional before travelling.”
In February, Dr Gauri Godbole, Deputy Director for Gastrointestinal Infections, Food Safety and One Health at UKHSA, said: “Taking a few simple precautions against traveller’s diarrhoea and food poisoning can make all the difference.
“The best way to avoid gastrointestinal infections, including Shigella and Salmonella, or passing them to others, is simply by washing your hands regularly and thoroughly with soap and water or alcohol gel – particularly after using the toilet, changing nappies, and before eating or preparing food.
“Most episodes of traveller’s diarrhoea are short-lived, lasting for a few days. During an episode of diarrhoea and vomiting, it is important to prevent dehydration particularly for young children, pregnant women, elderly people, and those with pre-existing illnesses as they can develop complications.
“Continue to hydrate yourself with plenty of fluids and consider purchasing sachets of oral rehydration salt before travelling. If symptoms worsen or you have underlying medical conditions, please seek advice from your GP or pharmacy.”
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
