The Foreign Office has warned travellers heading to Cape Verde about an outbreak of dysentery.

The advisory says that holidaymakers, who stay in the Santa Maria region on Sal island, should follow the country’s National Travel Health Network and Centre’s guidelines.

Most of the cases had reported staying in that region, the Foreign Office said.

“In February 2023, there was an increase in cases of Shigellosis, a form of dysentery, among travellers returning from Cape Verde,” the advisory said.

“You should follow the health advice and make sure you are observing standard food, water and personal hygiene precautions, such as washing hands.”

It added that medical facilities in the archipelago were ‘limited’ and some medicines were unavailable.

“Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation,” the advisory said.

Shigellosis is caused by shigella and, according to the NHS, is the most common type of dysentery in the UK.