Finland is the latest country to report Shigella infections in people returning from Cape Verde.
The Finnish Institute of Health and Welfare (THL) recorded eight patients with shigellosis in November and December 2022, with a history of travel to Cape Verde.
Based on typing, the strains in five of these cases match those found in other European countries. Almost all Shigella infections found in Finland originate from abroad.
In 2022, more travel-related shigellosis cases than usual will be recorded in many European countries. Patients are involved in trips to Cape Verde.
Related cases have been reported in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, France, Germany, Denmark, and Portugal.
In Sweden, 30 infections have been identified since mid-November. Analysis of the bacterial isolates found that some were Shigella sonnei and some were Shigella boydii. Infections with various pathogens, such as E. coli, Campylobacter, Cryptosporidium, and Giardia, have also been noted.
The European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) is investigating the national authority on the source of infection in cases related to travel of shigellosis in Cape Verde.
Sickness claims
The UK’s Holiday Claims Bureau and Hudgell Solicitors are representing people with confirmed Shigella infections linked to hotels in Cape Verde. The Holiday Claims Bureau has also had clients contract Salmonella and E. coli infections after staying at the same hotels.
More than 500 people have asked Irwin Mitchell lawyers to investigate illnesses linked to trips to Cape Verde. Holidaymakers stay in seven hotels in the country. People have tested positive for bacterial pathogens including Salmonella, Campylobacter, Shigella, and E. coli. All are on holidays booked through tour operator TUI.
Shigella bacteria cause an infection called shigellosis. Most infected people have diarrhea, fever, and abdominal pain. Symptoms usually begin a few days after infection and last for a week. Travelers can be exposed to the bacteria through contaminated food, water, or surfaces. Those who have a Shigella infection can spread it to others within a few weeks. People should wash their hands with soap and water before preparing and eating food to help prevent pathogens.
Finally, THL and Ruokavirasto (Finnish Food Authority) are helping to organize a training course on investigating food and water outbreaks in May and June.
An online session is scheduled for May 25 to 26 and in-person training is planned in Tuusula for June 6 to 8. It consists of lectures and practical exercises and is intended as additional education for those who are part of outbreak control groups, food inspectors, doctors, and veterinarians.
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