Cape Verde

MAIN HEALTH RISKS

• There are sporadic cases of malaria transmission in the island of Santiago (weak and irregular transmission). There is no malaria in the other islands of the archipelago.
• Tuberculosis is frequent in the country.
• Diarrheic diseases are frequent.

FOOD SAFETY

• Gastric diseases are common among tourists who are not accustomed to local food or who do not take precautions.
• Tap water is in principle drinkable because water treatment is good. However, a pollution due to water pipes is always possible. Furthermore, the water delivered by private companies is not always of good quality. It is thus recommended to drink bottled mineral water whenever possible.
• Avoid eating ice cream, sherbet and salads.
• Avoid eating raw or undercooked dishes, especially meat or fish. If possible, order hot dishes.
• Bring anti-diarrhea medication with you.
• Wash your hands carefully before each meal.

IMMUNIZATIONS AND MEDICATION

• Travellers entering the country from an endemic area are required to present a certificate of immunization against yellow fever.
Systematically:
• Hepatitis A: the vaccination is available for children at least one year old. For persons who were born before 1945, who have spent their childhood in a developing country or who have had an icterus, it may prove useful to search previously for serous antibodies in order to avoid an unnecessary shot.
• Hepatitis B: the vaccination is available for children at least two months old.
• Diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis: get a booster shot before leaving if your last shot is more than ten years old.



Depending on the duration and conditions of the trip:
• Typhoid fever: if the stay is occurring in precarious hygiene condition. The immunization is available for children at least 2 years old.

HEALTH INFRASTRUCTURES

• Agostinho Neto Hospital in Praia (Santiago island): phone + 238 261 2142 / 3403 / 2234
• Baptista de Sousa Hospital in Mindelo (Sao Vicente island): phone + 238 231 1879 / 2122 / 2424

EMERGENCY CONTACTS

• Medical assistance: 130
• Firemen: 131
• Police: 132

CLIMATE

• Cape Verde has a dry tropical climate (the country is located in the Sahelian zone).
• There are two main seasons: the dry season, from November to June, and the rain season, from July to October.
• Air temperature varies between 20 and 30°C; the average sea temperature is 23 to 26°C. At night, temperatures variations are small, except in altitude.
• During the winter, winds can be very violent for several days.
• When to go: between October and June.