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Country Guide > Africa > Cape Verde | |
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Health
1 Following WHO guidelines issued in 1973, a cholera vaccination certificate is not a condition of entry to Cape Verde. However, cholera is a risk in this country and precautions could be considered. Up-to-date advice should be sought before deciding whether these precautions should include vaccination as medical opinion is divided over its effectiveness. For more information, see the Health appendix. 2 Typhoid fever is widespread and vaccination may be necessary. Polio vaccination may also be advised. 3 There is a limited risk of malaria from September to November on São Tiago Island. Food & drink All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Milk is unpasteurised and should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised, but make sure that it is reconstituted with pure water. Avoid all dairy products. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Pork, salad and mayonnaise may carry increased risk. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled. Other risks Hepatitis A and E are highly endemic in sub-saharan Africa, but have very low occurrence in Cape Verde, but precautions are still advisable. Hepatitis B is hyperendemic in the region. Vaccination against tetanus is advised. Giardia occurs. Health care Health insurance, including emergency repatriation cover, is advised, although in-patient treatment is free in general wards on presentation of a passport. Treatment is private and expensive on the smaller islands. |