Oxford News
Travel warning in place for Cape Verde amid health concerns
Since October 1, hundreds of cases of Shigella and Salmonella infection in travellers returning to England, Scotland, and Wales from the Cape Verde Islands have been reported.
UK health officials issued a warning back in February to Brits travelling to the area following this spike in cases.
More than 1,700 people have now joined a legal claim against travel company Tui after becoming ill while on holiday in the Cape Verde Islands, according to the BBC .
More than 1,700 Brits who fell ill in Cape Verde join action against Tui https://t.co/Bv2K88rX2B
— BBC News (UK) (@BBCNews) April 7, 2026
The broadcaster said: “Lawyers from Irwin Mitchell, who are leading the personal injury claim, say they have been contacted by people who became ill there as recently as two weeks ago.
“They believe at least eight Britons have now died after holidays there in recent years.”
Tui is investigating the claims and said it was “not in a position to provide a statement at this stage”.
What is Shigella?
Shigella are bacteria that can cause shigellosis, an infection of the gut that can result in severe diarrhoea, fever, and stomach cramps, Travel Health Pro explains.
Most people recover from shigellosis within a week.
The health experts added: “However, some individuals, such as older adults, individuals with weakened immune systems, anyone with complex medical conditions, pregnant women, and children under five, may be at greater risk of complications, including sepsis.”
Shigella is spread by contact with contaminated faeces either directly through person-to-person transmission or indirectly from food, water or surfaces contaminated with Shigella.
Travel Health Pro said: “There is a risk for travellers to places where food and water may be unsafe.”
What is Salmonella?
Meanwhile, Salmonella is a common bacterial infection that mainly affects the intestines/gut.
The Food Standards Agency continued: “Salmonella bacteria typically live in the intestines of infected animals and humans and are shed through faeces.
“Humans become infected most often through contaminated water or food.”
Symptoms of Salmonella, which usually develop between 12 and 72 hours after becoming infected, include:
- Diarrhoea
- Stomach cramps
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
Travel warnings in place for Cape Verde Islands
Health warnings remain in place (as of April 7) for the Cape Verde Islands, according to the Foreign Office’s travel advice .
It said: “The UK Health Security Agency is investigating an increase in reports of Shigella sonnei and Salmonella infection in travellers returning from Cape Verde.
“If you have an underlying health condition, speak to a healthcare professional before travelling.”
The Foreign Office advises Brits travelling to Cape Verde to check they have the appropriate travel insurance and that their destination can provide the healthcare needed (if required).
It adds: “This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
“Global Health Insurance Cards (GHIC) are not accepted in Cape Verde, so it is essential that you have appropriate travel insurance.”
Shigella is a bacterial infection that causes severe diarrhoea and stomach cramps.
Cases are rising, so it’s important to know the symptoms & how to protect yourself. Our latest blog post explains how Shigella spreads and who’s at risk ✈️🧼https://t.co/JGjfhhFAaD pic.twitter.com/CeNJrzJq3K
— UK Health Security Agency (@UKHSA) March 26, 2026
Vaccinations required for travel to Cape Verde
Travellers to the Cape Verde Islands are also urged to be up to date with routine vaccinations recommended in the UK .
Other vaccinations recommended by Travel Health Pro include:
- Hepatitis A
- Tetanus
- Typhoid
- Dengue
- Hepatitis B
- Rabies (Bat Lyssavirus)
- Tuberculosis
‘I noticed uncooked meat being served’ while in Cape Verde, says travel expert
Co-founder of Travel City, Lee Dobson, visited Boa Vista on the Cape Verde Islands in June 2025 and “noticed undercooked meat being served at the buffet”.
Mr Dobson said: “It is the kind of thing you brush off at the time, but given what we now know about the ongoing issues out there, it sticks with you.
“Even at a decent hotel, you cannot afford to switch off about what you are eating and drinking.”
Medical facilities in Cape Verde are “basic and limited”, the Travel City co-founder warned, while some medicines are in “short supply or unavailable”.
Mr Dobson advised those travelling to the area to:
- Take oral rehydration sachets
- Check your insurance covers medical treatment and evacuation
- Be aware that Cape Verde does not accept GHIC cards
Your rights if you become ill while on holiday
If travellers do get ill while travelling to Cape Verde, or anywhere else, Mr Dobson said to speak to your rep or agent “straight away” and keep any medical receipts or documentation.
He explained: “A lot of people do not realise their rights kick in while they are still on holiday, not just when they get home.
“Under the Package Travel Regulations 2018, the tour operator has a legal duty to assist travellers in difficulty, including pointing you toward health services and consular help.
“So if you fall ill, go to your rep straight away and ask them in writing what they are doing to help you. That paper trail matters later.
“The operator is also liable to compensate where injury or illness is sustained as a result of the holiday they supplied, including through the actions of a third party hotel.”
Mr Dobson continued: “Anyone affected should avoid accepting a goodwill gesture or partial refund without speaking to a solicitor first.
“Accepting a direct offer could leave you well short of what you are owed and make it harder to claim further down the line.”
For those who booked flights and accommodation separately, travellers will need to pursue the hotel under Cape Verdean law.
This is a “considerably harder and more expensive path”, and “one where travel insurance becomes absolutely critical”, travel expert at Lapland Famille , Alex Dyer, reveals.
For those eligible to claim, compensation can cover:
- Medical treatment costs
- Loss of enjoyment of the holiday
- Damages for pain, suffering, and any ongoing health complications
RECOMMENDED READING:
For package holiday claims pursued against a UK-based operator under English law, the limitation period is generally three years from the date of illness.
Those who booked independently and need to claim under local law need to seek legal advice “promptly”.
Mr Dyer continued: “What matters most right now is documentation. Anyone who fell ill should gather medical records, proof of diagnosis, receipts for any treatment, and a clear written timeline of events.
“All correspondence with the travel company should be kept too — this can be crucial evidence.”
Are you due to go on holiday to Cape Verde? Let us know in the comments below.
Oxford News
Amazon Fresh £11 World Cup pizza deal with £7.40 off and fast delivery
Amazon has launched a new World Cup dine-in deal that could save football fans up to £7.40 on their match-day food and drinks.
The online retail giant might be best known for bigger purchases but it also does groceries too, and it is offering shoppers the chance to pick up two Franco Manca pizzas and a four-pack of drinks for £11 through Amazon Fresh throughout June.
The limited-time promotion runs here until June 30 and is available with same-day and next-day delivery, making it a handy option for last-minute World Cup watch parties.
What’s Included In Amazon’s £11 World Cup Deal?
Customers can mix and match from a selection of popular Franco Manca pizzas, including:
- Salami, ‘Nduja & Hot Honey Pizza
- Greek Inspired Chicken Gyros Pizza
- Quattro Formaggi & Balsamic Glaze Pizza
- Meatball Ragu Pizza
The bundle also includes a choice of selected four-packs of drinks.
Options include:
- Coca-Cola Original Taste
- Coca-Cola Zero Sugar
- Birra Moretti
- Birra Moretti Zero Alcohol-Free
According to Amazon, customers can save up to £7.40 compared with buying the items separately.
The deal is available through Amazon Fresh and can be delivered directly to customers’ doors, helping fans stock up before kick-off without leaving home.
Where is Amazon Fresh available?
Amazon Fresh is available across a growing number of towns and cities throughout the UK, including London, Birmingham, Manchester and other major locations.
Shoppers can check whether the service is available in their area by entering their postcode through the Amazon Fresh storefront. The service offers everything from fresh groceries and chilled food to cupboard essentials and household products.
Customers can then choose from same-day or next-day delivery slots seven days a week, subject to availability.
Some shoppers can get their order in just 30 minutes
For customers in selected London postcodes, Amazon now offers ultra-fast grocery delivery through Amazon Now, with orders arriving in as little as 30 minutes.
The retailer has also confirmed plans to expand the rapid delivery service to Birmingham and Manchester later this year, giving even more football fans access to last-minute match-night essentials.
Recommended reading:
World Cup watch parties
With millions expected to tune into this summer’s biggest football matches, retailers are racing to tempt shoppers with food and drink deals.
Amazon says the promotion is designed to help customers get match-ready, whether they’re hosting a watch party, planning a family night in or simply looking for an easy dinner before the game.
Alongside the pizza bundle, shoppers can also browse Amazon Fresh’s range of snacks, party food and international dishes inspired by teams competing in the tournament.
The £11 World Cup dine-in deal is available now until June 30, while stocks last.
Will you try out this deal? Let us know in the comments.
Oxford News
Price of diesel to drop further for Oxfordshire drivers
It comes as the US and Iran sign a deal to end the war and lay the foundations for the crucial Strait of Hormuz crude oil shipping lane to be reopened after months of blockages.
According to analysis by the RAC, the average price of petrol has fallen by nearly 5p since its conflict high of 159.53p on May 28, to 154.72p on Thursday.
Tesco in Cowley remains the lowest price for petrol in the city at 151.9p, according to the online tracker Petrol Prices, with the BP garage in Marston at 155.9p.
READ MORE: Major update given after Jeremy Clarkson’s cancer diagnosis
Head of policy Simon Williams said: “The diesel drop has been even more dramatic having come down by 17p a litre from 191.54p on 15 April to 174.3p which means drivers are saving £9.50 every time they fill up. The last time the UK average price of diesel was under 175p was on 24 March.
“Even more positively, the rate of reduction ought to accelerate as the price of a barrel of oil has been under $80 for the last two days – something we haven’t seen since the start of March. Drivers can now expect to see the average pump price of petrol drop below 150p in the next week or so, while diesel should drop back under 170p.”
Oxford News
Inspector Morse actor Kevin Whately reveals memories of John Thaw
Whately played Robbie Lewis in the Oxford-based crime drama Inspector Morse, alongside John Thaw, between 1987 and 2000.
He reprised the role of Robbie Lewis in the ITV drama Lewis, alongside Laurence Fox, and the series ran from 2006 to 2015.
READ MORE: Busy A34 slip roads to have temporary traffic lights
John Thaw, who will forever be remembered for his portrayal of Colin Dexter’s creation Endeavour Morse, died from throat cancer in 2002, and Whately, who was awarded the OBE last year, said he still missed him “terribly”.
“He was like a brother to me,” he added.
Whately, who lives in Buckinghamshire, is appearing in The Importance of Being Earnest at Garsington Opera from July 10. He said he had realised something was wrong in the run-up to John Thaw’s death.
He told the Telegraph: “While we were shooting the last film (a special, broadcast in 2000) he kept saying, ‘I don’t feel good, I don’t feel right.’
“And then we both did a charity event on the South Bank, in which he had to sing, and he was struggling with his voice. That was the beginning of it.
“He was diagnosed right after that. He went sort of underground a bit to lick his wounds, and didn’t come out much, but I saw him a couple of times before he died.”
John Thaw in Inspector Morse (Image: ITV)
Over the years, Whately shared a trailer with Thaw, and spent many hours with him on set.
He recalled: “Those glowering eyebrows could be very intimidating.
“But once you got to know him, which could take a couple of years, you realised what a wonderful raconteur he could be.”
The cast of Lewis (Image: ITV)
From 2006 to 2015, Whately starred in the Inspector Morse sequel, Lewis, alongside Laurence Fox, and they were in touch recently.
“I spoke to him on the phone last year when he was getting married. I haven’t seen him for a couple of years though. I’m not a fan of his politics.”
The actors discussed politics from time to time.
Laurence Fox with Kevin Whately (Image: ITV)
Whately added: “We did, and because he knew that I was a bit of a Lefty I thought he just said things to wind me up. I loved Laurence.
“He was good fun to work with and he was a very, very good actor. But his life took over. It’s a great shame for the acting industry.”
For many years, Kevin Whately was a familiar face during filming on Oxford streets and would stop and chat to fans and passers-by.
The actor first made his name playing Neville in the 1980s comedy Auf Wiedersehen, Pet.
When he was awarded the OBE in January last year, Christopher Sullivan, who runs a website dedicated to the Morse, Lewis and Endeavour TV series, said: “It’s wonderful to know that Kevin is not just being recognised for his charity work with organisations such as Action for Children and The Alzheimers Society, but also for the joy he has brought to many people through his varied acting roles.
“In particular, his role as Robbie Lewis in the Morse and Lewis series. Those series were watched by millions and Kevin, and his portrayal of Lewis, is loved by millions. This is a well-deserved honour.”
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