Attachments
Description of the Event
Date when the trigger was met
30-08-2024
What happened, where and when?
The dengue fever outbreak in Cape Verde, a viral disease transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, began with the first reported case on 6 November 2023, on Santiago Island, likely introduced via international travel. The outbreak escalated in July 2024, fueled by seasonal heavy rainfall that created ideal mosquito breeding conditions in urban and rural areas with poor sanitation and water storage practices. By 22 December 2024, the National Institute of Public Health (INSP) reported 26,873 suspected cases (18,208 confirmed) and 8 deaths across all 22 municipalities, except Santo Antão, with Fogo (59% of cases) and Santiago (37%) as the primary epicenters.
Outbreak Progression
• November 2023: Initial case reported on Santiago, with sporadic cases continuing into early 2024.
• 23 June 2024: 1,205 cumulative cases (562 confirmed, 643 suspected) across 9 of 10 islands.
• July 2024: Outbreaks intensified on Santiago, Fogo, and Brava, spreading nationwide due to rainfall.
• August 2024: Over 2,200 cases and 2 deaths recorded.
• Week 36 (18 September 2024): Cases surged to 6,238 (4,002 confirmed), with 2 deaths on Fogo and Santiago.
• 22 December 2024: Total of 26,873 suspected cases (18,208 confirmed) and 8 deaths.
Government Response
The Government of Cape Verde declared a national state of emergency twice in response to the escalating crisis:
• 18 September 2024: Resolution No. 85/2024 activated the National Civil Protection Council (CNPC) and convened the first National Crisis Council under the Prime Minister, triggering multi-sectoral coordination for health surveillance, vector control, and community mobilization.
• 2 October 2024: Resolution 58/2024 extended the state of emergency until December 2024, further mobilizing the Civil Protection system, including the Cape Verde Red Cross (CVRC).
Response Measures
The government, in collaboration with the CVRC and other partners, implemented comprehensive measures to curb the outbreak:
• Awareness Campaigns: Nationwide efforts informed the public about Dengue symptoms, preventive measures, and the elimination of mosquito breeding sites (e.g., stagnant water). Community mobilization was a key focus.
• Vector Control: Spraying and cleaning campaigns were conducted across all municipalities, including regular inspections of homes and public spaces to eliminate larval habitats.
• Health System Strengthening: Resources were mobilized for rapid diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and capacity-building initiatives, including training and vaccine donations.
Role of the Cape Verde Red Cross
The CVRC, an integral part of the Civil Protection system, played a significant role. With funding from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies’ Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (A DREF were requested on 27 September 2024), the CVRC conducted operations from October 2024 to 31 March 2025. Key activities included:
• Deploying 425 trained volunteers and 5 doctors for risk communication, community engagement, and nationwide cleaning campaigns.
• Supporting vector control and awareness initiatives to reduce mosquito populations and educate communities.
Challenges and ongoing risks
Despite these efforts, the outbreak continued to grow, driven by climate variability and rainfall that sustained mosquito breeding. The consistent case and death figures (26,873 suspected, 18,208 confirmed, 8 deaths by 22 December 2024) highlight the need for sustained prevention and improved sanitation to mitigate future risks.