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Cape Verde

Destination photograph: Cape Verde
Cabo Verde - panoramio (9).jpg · Ainars Brūvelis · CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Displayed at a reduced size; no image edits.
AI-generated landscape illustration inspired by Cape Verde
AI-generated illustration inspired by Cape Verde.

Cape Verde: recent disease outbreaks

Sources checked

Recent reports

Schistosomiasis (urogenital) — São Miguel (island of Santiago)

National public‑health investigators published a malacological surveillance bulletin reporting field surveys on 23 April and 26 May 2026 that found Bulinus freshwater snails at 8 of 9 inspected sites in the municipality of São Miguel and detected Schistosoma haematobium by PCR in all 13 human urine samples analysed; the INSP bulletin and PDF present the sampling dates, lab findings and local control recommendations. INSP report (summary) 1st Malacological Bulletin (PDF). Why it matters: schistosomiasis is transmitted by skin contact with freshwater that contains infected snails; the bulletin explicitly recommends signage at affected tanks, ribeiras and lavadas and advises avoiding contact with those waters. Travelers planning freshwater swimming, wading or rural visits on Santiago should avoid freshwater exposure in and around São Miguel and follow local health notices; the bulletin gives the specific local findings and recommendations cited above. INSP (PDF).

Varicella (chickenpox) — Praia Formosa, São Domingos (investigation published)

The national Boletim de Saúde Pública (BSP) published an investigation of a varicella outbreak that occurred in Praia Formosa during epidemiological weeks 1–21 of 2026; the BSP item describing the field investigation and case series is available on the BSP site, and the INSP highlighted the BSP edition when it was posted online in September 2026. BSP outbreak investigation (BSP page) INSP announcement of BSP edition. Why it matters: varicella spreads person‑to‑person by respiratory droplets or contact with vesicular fluid; the BSP investigation documents community transmission during early 2026. For travellers, established public health guidance recommends that international travellers without documented immunity consider varicella vaccination before travel (authoritative guidance from ACIP/CDC on vaccinating susceptible international travellers is available). CDC/ACIP guidance (varicella vaccination for travellers).

Suspected African swine fever (animal) — São Vicente (case report)

The BSP edition also includes a case report labelled "suspected African swine fever" in São Vicente (case description dated earlier; included in the BSP collection released in mid‑2026). BSP item listing (case report summary). Why it matters: African swine fever (ASF) is a highly contagious disease of domestic and wild pigs but is not a zoonotic infection and does not cause human illness; animal‑health control measures (movement restrictions, culling and trade controls) are normally used to contain outbreaks. For animal‑related precautions, see WOAH/ OIE guidance noting ASF is not a human health risk. WOAH (ASF: animal‑health facts).

Surveillance and public‑health capacity strengthened (national measures)

During the recent reporting window Cape Verde announced steps to strengthen field epidemiology and surveillance capacity, including a national intermediate‑level Field Epidemiology Training Program (first intake announced and an INSP course to train 18 intermediate‑level field epidemiologists started in August 2026). These actions aim to improve outbreak detection and response across islands. BSP / INSP (training announcement).

Screening, entry or destination‑wide travel restrictions — current status

A review of government and international preparedness summaries did not identify active, country‑wide inbound screening mandates or new travel‑entry restrictions for Cape Verde tied to these events as of 27 October 2026; routine port‑of‑entry sanitary controls and preparedness planning documents remain in place, and national sources report enhanced local surveillance and response capacity rather than broad travel bans. GHS/NTI summary (country surveillance & travel‑restriction statement) INSP (national public‑health site).

These items summarise official investigations and published surveillance products available as of 27 October 2026; local conditions can change quickly. Check national public‑health sources (Instituto Nacional de Saúde Pública and the Ministry of Health) and your country’s travel‑health advice for updates before and during travel. INSP (national public‑health).