Since November 2023, Cape Verde has reported over 2,200 cases of dengue fever, prompting the Government to issue a three-month civil protection alert for the islands of Santiago, Fogo, and Brava.
On Thursday, Janine Lélis, the Minister for the Presidency of the Council of Ministers and Parliamentary Affairs, announced the alert, citing the risk of further cases due to recent rainfall. This precautionary measure aims to bolster efforts to prevent and control the disease, as detailed in a press conference held in Praia.
Lélis explained that the decision was made during a Council of Ministers meeting on Tuesday, noting the significant rise in dengue cases, particularly on the islands of Santiago, Fogo, and Brava. The alert will be in effect for three months and may be extended if necessary.
Since the first case was detected in November 2023, Cape Verde has experienced periodic dengue outbreaks, with Praia, the capital, seeing the highest number of confirmed cases.
In response, a multisectoral task force will be established to support health services and implement an integrated emergency program designed to enhance prevention and control measures against dengue fever.