en_US EN
en_US EN pt_PT PT fr_FR FR es_ES ES de_DE DE

Mosquitoes & Malaria

Mosquitoes in Cape Verde

Due to its subtropical climate, there are mosquitoes in Cape Verde. The concentration tends to be most noticeable from July to December.

No prophylactic medication or vaccine against mosquito-borne diseases is required for entry into Cape Verde, taking into account the local health and epidemiological situation. However, travelers should check whether the health authorities in their country of origin recommend or require any specific health measures.

In general, the use of insect repellents is recommended.

 

Malaria in Cape Verde

Malaria is an acute febrile infectious disease caused by the protozoan Plasmodium and transmitted through the bite of female Anopheles mosquitoes. Anopheles mosquitoes usually bite at night (from dusk to dawn).

Malaria transmission in Cape Verde in recent years has been low and irregular. With the exception of the 2017 outbreak, most or all cases are imported. Since 2019, all malaria cases diagnosed in Cape Verde have been imported (people coming infected from other countries).

Table: Malaria in Cape Verde (imported and autochthonous/local cases), 2012 to 2019

Year

Population

Cases (imported and local)

Incidence (per 100,000)

Deaths

Mortality rate (per 100,000)

Lethality rate (%)

2012

505.983

36

7,1

1

0,2

2,8

2013

512.173

46

9,0

0

0,0

0,0

2014

518.467

46

8,9

1

0,2

2,2

2015

524.833

27

5,1

0

0,0

0,0

2016

531.239

75

14,1

2

0,4

2,7

2017

537.661

446

83,0

2

0,4

0,4

2018

544.081

21

3,7

0

0,0

0,0

2019

550.483

39

7,1

0

0,0

0,0

Source: Statistical Report from the Ministry of Health of Cape Verde (2019)

With the focus on eliminating malaria, Cape Verde has invested heavily in numerous research and preventive actions such as annual indoor spraying campaigns, regular control of vector larvae, malaria control at points of entry (airports and ports), environmental sanitation and raising awareness among the population. 

In January 2024, the The World Health Organization has certified Cape Verde as a malaria-free country.

However, due to its geographical location and links with other countries, Cape Verde remains susceptible to the reintroduction of the disease, so individual protection measures against mosquitoes must be maintained.

 

Dengue fever in Cape Verde

Dengue is a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes, especially Aedes aegypti. In Cape Verde, the risk of dengue fever has been increasing since November 2023There have been outbreaks on some islands, mainly Santiago, Fogo and Brava. This scenario is worrying both local authorities and travelers.

 

Current Dengue Situation in Cape Verde

In November 2023, Cape Verde reported cases of the disease in the country after several years without autochthonous cases. 

Subsequently, the government of Cape Verde declared, through the Resolution 58/2024, a Contingency situation throughout the country. This decision was taken on October 2, 2024, with initial validity until December 2024, by the Council of Ministers, in response to the worsening potential risk of an increase in dengue cases, exacerbated by the rains.

The health authorities have been monitoring the situation closely and warning the population about the risks of the disease. Dengue can cause symptoms such as high fever and body aches. In most cases, the illness is mild, but it is important to seek medical attention if symptoms worsen due to the risk of dengue hemorrhagic fever.

 

Efforts to Contain the Dengue Outbreak in Cape Verde

Public health authorities have implemented various measures to contain the spread of dengue fever. These include:

  1. Awareness campaignsThe population is being informed about the symptoms of dengue fever and ways to prevent it, such as eliminating mosquito breeding sites like standing water.

  2. Vector Control ActionsSpraying campaigns are being carried out in affected areas to reduce the mosquito population. This includes regular inspections of homes and public spaces to identify and eliminate breeding sites.

  3. Strengthening the Health SystemThe government is mobilizing resources to ensure that health services are prepared to deal with dengue cases, with an emphasis on rapid diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

 

Dengue Prevention Measures

If you are planning to travel to Cape Verde, it is important to take some precautions:

  • Use repellentsApply repellent to exposed areas of skin, especially at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.

  • Suitable clothing: Opt for long-sleeved clothes and pants, especially in areas where outbreaks have been reported.

  • Avoid standing waterBeware of places that accumulate water, such as flower pots, tires and containers. Inform the authorities if you find areas with standing water that could be breeding grounds.

 

Frequently asked questions

  • What is the risk of contracting malaria in Cape Verde?

Based on recent statistics, the risk of contracting malaria in Cape Verde is very low. 

Despite the recent absence of cases, due to the presence of the mosquito vector on some islands and the mobility of people with neighboring countries, preventive measures such as the use of repellents are recommended, especially at night (the Anopheles mosquito's biting time).

  • Which Cape Verde islands have malaria?

Since 2018, there have been no local cases of malaria on any of Cape Verde's islands. Although the mosquito vector exists in the country, it can only transmit malaria if it first bites someone infected with the parasite that causes the disease. 

The mosquito vector Anopheles Gambiae is present on 7 of the 9 inhabited islands, with the exception of Sal and Brava. In recent years, local transmission has been restricted to Santiago (Praia, 2018) and Boavista (João Galego, 2015). 

  • Do I need to take prophylactic medication or a malaria vaccine before traveling to Cape Verde?

Due to the low incidence of the disease in the country, Cape Verde does not require prophylactic medication or malaria vaccine to enter the territory. However, travelers should check if their country of origin recommends or requires any specific health measures. It is advisable to take measures against mosquito bites, such as using repellents. 

  • Which Cape Verde islands will be most affected by dengue fever in 2024?

The outbreaks have been most noticeable in Santiago, Fogo and Brava, but the situation could change, so it is advisable to check for updates.

  • How can I protect myself from dengue during my trip to Cape Verde?

Use repellent, wear long-sleeved clothing and avoid standing water to minimize the risk of mosquito bites.

  • What should I do if I show symptoms of dengue fever in Cape Verde?

If you experience symptoms of dengue fever, seek medical attention immediately to receive appropriate advice and treatment.

  • Where can I find up-to-date information on Dengue fever in Cape Verde?

For up-to-date information on  Dengue in Cape Verde through official website of the Ministry of Health on facebook, on National Institute of Public Health website of Cape Verde. 

 

Sources:

  1. DePina, A. J., Andrade, A. J. B., Dia, A. K., Moreira, A., Faye, O., & Seck, I. (2018). Achievement of malaria pre-elimination in Cape Verde according to the data collected from 2010 to 2016. Malaria journal, 17(1), 1-12.
  1. Ministry of Health and Social Security. Technical Report After Action Review of the response to the malaria epidemic, October 2018
  1. Towards the Elimination of Malaria in Cape Verde | WHO | Regional Office for Africa, available from www.afro.who.int 
  2. Official Bulletin no. 92, Series I, October 2, 2024: Resolution no. 85/2024 of the Council of Ministers; available from https://kiosk.incv.cv/1.1.92.5991/