Cape Verdes - Health

Cape Verdes Health

Medical facilities in Cape Verde are limited, and some medicines are in short supply or unavailable. The largest hospitals are in Praia and Mindelo, with smaller medical facilities and clinics located throughout the country. Medical facilities are particularly limited on the island of Boavista. The islands of Brava and Santo Antão no longer have functioning airports, so air evacuation in the event of a medical emergency is extremely difficult from these two islands.

List of Health Centers and Hospitals in Cape Verdes

Vaccine-Preventable Diseases:

While no vaccinations are mandatory for entry into Cabo Verde, travellers are advised to be up-to-date with their home country's vaccination schedule.

Recommended vaccines include Tetanus, Hepatitis A, and Typhoid Fever. Depending on the traveller's risk profile, Diphtheria, Meningitis, and Hepatitis B vaccines may also be considered.

If arriving from West Africa you may be asked to show proof of Yellow Fever vaccination.

Food and Water Concerns:

It is probably best to avoid drinking local water which is very chlorinated.

Mosquito-borne Diseases:

Dengue Fever, Malaria and the Zika virus vary seasonally. Because of the risks to pregnancy, travelers should consult the CDC Travelers’ Health website for the most current recommendations for Zika.

As mosquito-borne viruses are the biggest threat to health in the Cape Verdes, travelers to try not get bitten.

Prevention:

• Use a repellent containing 20%-30% DEET or 20% Picaridin on exposed skin. Re-apply according to manufacturer's directions.
• Wear neutral-coloured (beige, light grey) long-sleeved clothing.
• Pre-soak or spray outer layer clothing and gear with permethrin.
• Ensure that hatch and window screens work properly.

Prescription Drugs:

Most towns and villages will have a pharmacy with a limited supply of non-prescription medicines (better stocks can be found in the larger towns and cities). Prescription medicines may not be available and are expensive.

Other Diseases:

Animals:

Feral dogs are common throughout the Cape Verdes. These are rarely aggressive towards people but may carry parasites or disease and care should be taken if permitted to bring your pet ashore.

Emergency Numbers:
See Emergencies.