Family of woman who died after Cape Verde holiday issue warning - as spike in illnesses revealed

The family of a British woman who died after a holiday in Cape Verde have urged travellers to take hygiene warnings seriously as UK health authorities examine a spike in serious illnesses.

Four British tourists died between October and December last year after falling ill, having visited the popular winter sun destination off the coast of West Africa.

Karen Pooley, 64, from Gloucestershire, was taken ill during a two-week break in Cape Verde last October.

During her illness, she slipped in her hotel room and broke her leg. After four days in a clinic she was flown to Tenerife for further treatment, where she died the following day.

Her sister-in-law, Kim Price, told Sky News Karen "lived the last few days on this Earth in agony".

She added: "We are heartbroken. We still can't get over it. I am angry and I want to make sure it doesn't happen to anyone else."

Karen's older brother, Keith, said: "One person [dying] is too many, if it goes on the way it is going, how many more are going to suffer?

"I would urge people to think before you book. If you do think about going, do a lot of research and make sure you have adequate insurance."

This week, 200 more tourists have come forward to say they also suffered serious illnesses after travelling to Cape Verde.

It means the number of people taking legal action against holiday firm TUI has risen to 1,700.

New data from the UK's Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows cases of the stomach bug shigella are now falling after an autumn spike, but incidents of salmonella continue to rise.

More than 150 cases

Lead epidemiologist at the UKHSA, Hannah Charles, said 158 cases have been linked to this outbreak since October 2025 "and we know at least 112 of these people have travelled to Cape Verde in the week before they became unwell".

She said: "But it's really good to see from the data that the number of new cases per week has been declining, which does indicate that the outbreak is slowing down.

"The latest figures, as well as showing updated figures on shigella, does highlight an increase in cases of salmonella that are also associated with travel to Cape Verde."

'Avoid salads and raw fruit'

She urged tourists to be aware of the risks and take steps to protect themselves.

"We're not saying 'don't travel to Cape Verde,'" she said.

"But it's our responsibility to make sure that people are aware of the risks and we provide information on how people can reduce their risk and ultimately stay well and enjoy their holiday.

"So, taking measures like choosing food that is freshly prepared and piping hot.

"Avoiding salads and raw fruits and vegetables that may have been washed with unsafe water, drinking bottled water, avoiding ice in drinks is also a good idea and always thoroughly washing hands."

200 more people approach lawyers

Lawyers acting for holidaymakers confirmed 200 more people had come forward this week, taking the total number of TUI customers involved to 1,700.

Serious injury lawyer, Jatinder Paul, from Irwin Mitchell, said: "We continue to be contacted by more people who have reported being struck down by serious illnesses after travelling to Cape Verde.

"The first-hand accounts of their symptoms and how they say their holidays have been ruined are all too familiar and worrying.

"The effects of gastric illness should never be downplayed as symptoms can lead to life-long and debilitating complications and even death.

"Our focus remains on continuing to support those holidaymakers who have instructed us to investigate their illnesses and whether more should have been done to prevent them.

"We once again call on tour operators - who are responsible for ensuring the safety of those who have booked all-inclusive package holidays - and authorities to take meaningful action to get on top of the reported hygiene issues on the islands."

TUI did not respond to a request for a comment, but has previously said it is fully investigating the claims and ensures any customers who fall ill while on holiday have access to appropriate care and assistance.

The Cape Verde government issued a statement earlier this week that said it is one of the safest countries in Africa in terms of health.

It said it welcomes a million visitors a year and that recent cases "represent, in statistical terms, a residual occurrence, not evidencing any sustained epidemiological pattern nor any alteration in the national health profile".

It added: "These are legal proceedings directed at private entities.

"The Ministry of Health does not accept that individual allegations, presented in foreign forums, be generalised or used to undermine the national health system and the country's good image."

(c) Sky News 2026: Family of woman who died after Cape Verde holiday issue warning - as spike in illnesses reveale