Risk / Health Info for Cape Verde

Do I need any immunisations for Cape Verde?

Cape Verde’s dry climate and constant wind makes the islands relatively disease-free. Sanitation on the islands is improving all the time but take normal precautions against travellers’ diarrhoea.

Typhoid and hepatitis A can be contracted from food and water, and vaccines are available against these.

Some groups of travellers should also consider getting a vaccine for hepatitis B.

What are the hospitals like in Cape Verde?

The healthcare in Cape Verde is limited. There are large hospitals in Praia and Mindelo, and smaller clinics in the rest of the country. On the islands facilities are limited and evacuation may be difficult. It is important to have good travel insurance for your time in Cape Verde to cover the cost of treatment and evacuation if it becomes necessary.

The emergency number in Cape Verde is 130 (Santiago Island).

Is it possible to obtain medication in Cape Verde?

Some medicines are in short supply in Cape Verde so you should bring enough of your regular medications to cover your entire trip. This will ensure you have everything you need, and you don’t put pressure on the local supply, too.

Altitude in Cape Verde

Parts of Cape Verde are higher than 2,400m, and travellers planning to spend time at a high altitude should take steps to protect themselves against the potentially life-threatening acute mountain sickness. Your healthcare provider can help with this.

Dengue fever in Cape Verde

There have been cases of the mosquito-borne virus dengue fever in Cape Verde. Dengue fever is also known as breakbone fever because of the severe bone, joint and muscular pains it causes, in addition to flu-like fever and headache. There is no vaccine for dengue fever. Avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellents (50% DEET) and by wearing protective clothing. Sleeping with mosquito nets is also recommended.

Malaria in Cape Verde

Malaria prophylaxis will be required for some parts of Cape Verde at certain times of year. There is no malaria vaccine, but there are anti-malaria drugs that should be taken before, during and after travelling to certain at-risk countries. Speak with your healthcare provider six weeks before your trip, as not all prophylaxis regimes are appropriate for all regions and all individuals.

Zika in Cape Verde

Global Affairs Canada has issued a warning about the risk of contracting Zika in Cape Verde. Zika is a viral disease spread by mosquitoes, and infection during pregnancy has been linked to birth defects. Women who are pregnant or planning to get pregnant should take advice before travelling to Cape Verde. Zika symptoms include rash, itch, mild fever, headache, red eyes, muscle and joint pains. Avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellents (50% DEET) and by wearing protective clothing. Mosquito nets and air conditioning should be used when sleeping.