Risk / Health Info for Cape Verde

Do I need any shots for Cape Verde?

Cape Verde’s dry climate and constant wind makes the islands relatively disease-free. Make sure your shots are up to date before you go to Cape Verde. Canadian Travel Clinics can recommend additional vaccinations that will keep you healthy when you are there, including hepatitis A, typhoidand cholera. These are unpleasant gastrointestinal illnesses spread by contaminated water and food.

Sanitation on the islands is improving all the time, but take normal precautions against “travellers’ diarrhea”. These include: making sure you drink commercially bottled water, including in your ice cubes, and sticking to foods you can peel or that have been cooked or boiled.

Should I get vaccinated against hepatitis B before going to Cape Verde?

Regular travellers and long-stay visitors should consider getting vaccinated against hepatitis B, which is spread by contact with contaminated blood or body products. Other groups at risk include children and healthcare workers. If you think you are at elevated risk of exposure to hep B, tell your Canadian Travel Clinics adviser.

What are the hospitals like in Cape Verde?

As with many island nations, the healthcare facilities on Cape Verde are limited. There are hospitals in Praia and Mindelo but the rest of the country is served only by smaller clinics. If you go to the outer islands you will find basic healthcare services only and if you fall ill there may be logistical problems around evacuation. If you travel outside Canada you need travel insurance to make sure you are covered for any medical costs, no matter where you're going or how long you'll be there. Before you leave the country, check with your provincial or territorial health authority for more information.

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

Is it possible to obtain medication in Cape Verde?

Bring enough of your medications to cover your entire trip as well as some spare in case of delays. Certain drugs are in short supply in Cape Verde, and this is the best way to ensure you have all you need without putting pressure on local supplies.

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.