A bacterial infection transmitted via the fecal-oral route is affecting tourists in Cape Verde, including the Portuguese, and has already led European authorities to issue specific recommendations for those traveling to the archipelago. The most recent data points to hundreds of cases associated with stays on the island of Sal, putting travelers and public health entities on alert.
According to , the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) identified a possible outbreak in a hotel chain located in the Santa Maria area. However, the concrete origin of the contamination remains to be determined, which maintains uncertainty about the exact form of transmission in the registered cases.
According to the same source, despite suspicion concentrated in a specific location, it was not possible to establish a definitive link between all the episodes, which leads authorities to maintain a wide range of precautions for all visitors.
Numbers that worry authorities
Between September 2022 and the last few weeks, 766 cases of shigellosis were confirmed in tourists from various countries, writes the newspaper. Among those affected are travelers from the United Kingdom, Sweden, Germany, France and the Netherlands, but also Portuguese, for a total of 12 registered cases.
The publication adds that, in addition to this bacterial infection, more than 300 episodes of other gastrointestinal diseases were reported, such as salmonellosis, campylobacteriosis, giardiasis or amoebiasis, reinforcing the dimension of the problem throughout this period.
What is shigellosis
Shigellosis is an intestinal infection caused by bacteria of the genus Shigella, explains the newspaper. It is a highly contagious disease, whose transmission occurs mainly via the fecal-oral route, often associated with hygiene failures or contamination of food and water.
The same source states that symptoms usually appear between one and four days after exposure to the bacteria, and may include diarrhea, fever and abdominal pain, signs that justify immediate attention on the part of travelers.
Recommendations for travelers
Given this scenario, ECDC recommends a set of preventive measures to reduce the risk of infection. According to the same source, it is essential to wash your hands frequently, especially before meals or after using bathroom facilities.
You should also favor the consumption of well-cooked foods and avoid raw or ready-to-eat products, including salads, unwashed fruit and drinks with ice, which can be potential vehicles for contamination.
When to seek medical help
Health authorities also advise drinking bottled water exclusively during your stay. According to the same source, this precaution is considered fundamental in contexts where water quality may not be guaranteed.
If symptoms compatible with a gastrointestinal infection appear, such as persistent diarrhea, fever or severe abdominal pain, travelers should seek medical assistance immediately, highlights Correio da Manhã, reinforcing the importance of a quick response to avoid complications.
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