Report Of Serious Illness Including E.Coli Linked To Five-Star Riu Karamboa Hotel

A group of 25 British holidaymakers have instructed lawyers to investigate after falling seriously ill while staying at a five-star resort in Cape Verde.

Specialist international serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell have been contacted by tourists who have fallen seriously ill over the last three years after staying at the Riu Karamboa resort in Boa Vista.

The group includes a mental health worker from Greater Manchester who was diagnosed with the serious bacterial infection E.Coli. Meanwhile, a paramedic from London had to be given anti-biotics in the resort after falling ill. 

Lawyers representing more than 1,400 UK holidaymakers to Cape Verde who have fallen ill 

The latest action comes as Irwin Mitchell continues to represent more than 1,400 British holidaymakers who have suffered serious illnesses linked to holidays in Cape Verde since 2022. Many of those cases involve confirmed diagnoses of E.Coli, salmonella, shigella, and cryptosporidium, with some tourists requiring hospital treatment either abroad or upon return to the UK.

Jatinder Paul is the expert international serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, representing those who have fallen ill.

Expert Opinion

“This is yet another resort in Cape Verde that has come under the spotlight following reports of serious illness.

“We’re already representing more than 1,400 British holidaymakers who have suffered gastric illness linked to holidays on the islands over the last three years.

“Illnesses like E.coli are serious and can lead to long-term health complications. It’s vital that if any issue are identified, swift action is taken to eradicate the risks to other holidaymakers.

“While nothing can make up for their ordeals, this latest group we represent understandably want answers. They booked what they hoped would be luxury holidays, but the first-hand accounts we’ve heard about their holiday were anything but luxury.

“As part of our investigations, we would be interested in hearing from other guests staying at the hotel at the same time as this group.” Jatinder Paul

Riu Karamboa Cape Verde hygiene concerns

All 25 booked their holidays through TUI UK Limited. They reported symptoms including severe stomach cramps, diarrhoea, vomiting, and fever. 

Concerns have been raised about hygiene standards at the resort, with reports of:
• Food often being served at lukewarm temperatures
• Raw or recycled food sometimes being mixed with fresh dishes
• Dirty crockery and cutlery
• Flies, birds, and even cats being seen around food service areas.

The breakdown of holidaymakers who fell ill and then instructed Irwin Mitchell currently stands at: 
• 10 in 2023
• Eight in 2024
• Seven holidaymakers who stayed at the resort this year.

London paramedic asks lawyers to investigate after falling in during Cape Verde holiday

Penny Robson, a 55-year-old paramedic from London, travelled to the Riu Karamboa resort in September 2023. She paid £2,000 for the week-long break with her friend.

However, after around five days into the holiday she started suffering with gastric symptoms including bloating, diarrhoea, nausea and stomach cramping.

Penny was left requiring medical treatment at the resort, including antibiotics and electrolytes.

Penny had to cancel two pre-paid excursions, including a stargazing trip and a private island tour. 

She raised concerns about the food hygiene at the resort, reporting that food was often served lukewarm, left uncovered, and exposed to birds and flies. On one occasion, she picked up a piece of chicken from the buffet and discovered it was raw.

Since returning home, Penny has experienced ongoing anxiety and says the illness has had a lasting impact on her confidence and wellbeing.

Penny said: “I was looking forward to my holiday and had saved for months. However, the excitement for the holiday quickly disappeared when I started feeling unwell. 

“It completely ruined what should have been a relaxing time. I’ve never felt so vulnerable while abroad. 

“I’m very cautious now regarding where I would book a holiday. This has affected my choices and I travel much shorter distances to Europe as I don’t feel confident travelling to further afield places.

“I no longer trust my body and if I ever eat out I constantly worry about food and how it’s prepared.

“I just want answers as to how my holiday became a nightmare.”

Greater Manchester holidaymaker to Riu Karmaboa diagnosed with E.Coli

Sharon Burrows, from Ashton-under-Lyne, Greater Manchester, travelled to Riu Karamboa for a 10-day break on 20 September, 2024. She paid almost £3,000 for the holiday with her friend, to celebrate early retirement.

Around five days into the holiday, she started to suffer from aches and pains, and a fever. Then she started experiencing stomach cramps and diarrhoea.

Once home, Sharon, a NHS worker, visited A&E and tests confirmed she had E.coli and shigella. She said doctors suspected she contracted the infection on holiday. 

Since the holiday to Cape Verde, Sharon has continued to suffer from complications from the illness.

She said: “I was unwell for nearly three weeks and it was one of the worst experiences of my life.  I was in so much pain and completely drained - it felt like my body just shut down. 

“I’d been concerned about hygiene at the hotel. Food was served at room temperature and new food was added to existing food. I saw dirty crockery, cats in and around the restaurant and empty plates attracting flies were left on tables.

“I raised my concerns with TUI, but all I got was a generic response. I feel completely let down and while it’s too late for me the least I feel I deserve is answers and to raise awareness of what I’ve been through so hopefully others don’t have to.”

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in supporting holidaymakers who have suffered serious illness linked to resorts at our dedicated holiday illness claims section. Alternatively, to speak to an expert contact us or call 0370 1500 100.