The RIVM warns travelers to Cape Verde about shigellosis. The disease is caused by a bacterium and causes severe, bloody diarrhea and fever. In September and October 2025, the bacterium was found in eight Dutch travelers who stayed at resorts on the islands of Sal and Boa Vista.

Other European countries also report patients who have been to Cape Verde. The RIVM has informed local health organizations and shared the signals with international colleagues. At this moment, it is not known exactly how the patients became infected. However, it is clear that it is the exact same bacterium that caused an outbreak on the island of Sal in 2022.

Severe intestinal infection 

Shigellosis is a severe intestinal infection caused by the shigella bacterium. Symptoms include bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fever, and sometimes vomiting. A person with shigellosis excretes the bacterium through feces. The bacterium can then be transferred via hands to food, objects, or surfaces. A person with shigellosis can easily infect others this way.

Advice to travelers

The RIVM finds it important that people are aware of the Shigella outbreak on the Cape Verde islands and the associated health risks. This allows travelers to decide whether or not to visit Sal or Boa Vista. Furthermore, the RIVM advises contacting the travel organization if there are any questions.

If you experience symptoms such as severe (bloody) diarrhea and fever during your trip, contact a local doctor. If you have symptoms after returning to the Netherlands, call your general practitioner and inform them that you have been to Sal or Boa Vista.

General hygiene

It is difficult to prevent shigellosis. Good hygiene can help reduce the risk:

  • Wash your hands regularly.
  • Flush the toilet with the lid closed.
  • Clean the toilet immediately after use.
  • Replace the towel every time someone with diarrhea has used the toilet.

Furthermore, the RIVM advises people traveling to (sub)tropical countries to drink bottled water. Preferably avoid tap water. It is also wise not to eat raw products. More information about shigellosis is available on the RIVM website.

Relation to the 2022 outbreak 

In 2022, several patients with shigellosis were reported in the Netherlands and other European countries. These were also holidaymakers who stayed at resorts on the island of Sal. At that time, there were dozens of reports in the Netherlands. In 2023 and 2024, there were only a few reports. Since the fall of 2025, the number of reports has been increasing again.