Cape Verde : Travel Health

WARNING! This information is out-dated and likely to be inaccurate!

Researching Travel Plans

Please note that this health information about Cape Verde may be out-of-date. Always research the current health conditions and issues in any region you plan to visit prior to departure.

Infectious Diseases and Medical Concerns for Cape Verde

The following medical diseases or health concerns are more common in travel to Cape Verde (compared to the USA and other areas of the Western World):

• travelers' diarrhea
• cholera
• malaria
• Escherichia coli diarrhea
• hepatitis A
• hepatitis B
• schistosomiasis - found in fresh water
• typhoid fever
• yellow fever
• Insect born diseases
• parasitic diseases
• Dengue fever
• filariasis
• leishmaniasis
• onchocerciasis
• trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness)
• chickungunya
• Tuberculosis

More Common Diseases and Medical Concerns for Cape Verde

The following health concerns or diseases are more commonly found in Cape Verde compared to the USA and other areas of the Western World:

• motor vehicle trauma - wear seatbelts and avoid night driving

Uncommon or Rare Diseases and Medical Concerns for Cape Verde

These medical diseases or health concerns are uncommon or rare in Cape Verde:

• yellow fever - no risk although vaccination certificate may be required if coming from an infected area

Vaccinations for Travel to Cape Verde

The following medical vaccinations are desirable or helpful for travel to Cape Verde to prevent contagious diseases in Cape Verde:

• hepatitis A - or immune globulin (IG)
• hepatitis B - if risk of exposure to blood/bodily fluid or medical treatment or if your stay will be longer than 6 months then all infants and children 11-12 years who did not complete the series as infants
• rabies - if you might be exposed to wild or domestic animals through your work or recreation
• typhoid
• Meningococcal meningitis - for travel from December through June
• tetanus - booster dose as needed
• diphtheria - booster dose as needed
• measles - booster dose as needed
• polio - one-time dose of polio vaccine for adults

Preventions or Health Precautions for Travel to Cape Verde

Any health risk of travel to Cape Verde may be reduced by the following precautionary health measures when visiting Cape Verde:

• Take your malaria prevention medication before/during/after travel as directed
• high rate of motor vehicle trauma - avoid night driving and wear seatbelts
• mosquito bite prevention
• insect bite protection
• avoid drinking non-treated water - only drink bottled or canned water
• eat only thoroughly cooked food or fruits and vegetables you have peeled yourself
• keep feet clean and dry - help prevent parasitic infections
• do not go barefoot - help prevent parasitic infections
• always use latex condoms to reduce the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases
• don't eat dairy products unless you know they have been pasteurized
• don't eat food purchased from street vendors
• don't drink beverages with ice
• don't eat dairy products unless you know they have been pasteurized
• don't share needles with anyone
• don't handle animals (especially monkeys/dogs/cats) - to avoid bites and serious diseases (including rabies and plague - risk for travelers is small)
• don't swim in fresh water - including the Nile. Salt water is usually safer
• sandstorms may occur - be sure to take cover
• sea conditions may be treacherous
• active volcanoes exist - take care when touring the area
• avoid crowded public places and public transportation whenever possible

Other Relevant Issues for Travel to Cape Verde

The following may be issues relevant to travel to Cape Verde:

• medical care is substandard