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

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. However, due to its geographical location and links with other countries, Cape Verde remains susceptible to the reintroduction of the parasite that causes the disease.

Malaria in Cape Verde: 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. 

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.

3. Ministry of Health and Social Security. Technical Report After Action Review of the response to the malaria epidemic, October 2018

4. Towards the Elimination of Malaria in Cape Verde | WHO | Regional Office for Africa, available from www.afro.who.int