Published 15 years ago, updated 6 years ago

Cabo Verde Ministry of Health has declared, for the first time in its history, an epidemic of dengue fever in the country.

The first cases emerged in September 2009, however, the outbreak intensified at the start of November with over 13,000 cases recorded so far.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) agency reports that between 700 and 800 new cases are being registered every day, with at least 4 of the 9 inhabited islands being infected and the majority of cases in and around the capital, Praia.

The IFRC says hospitals in Praia have been overloaded to the extent that tents have been installed to provide additional space outdoors for the urgent treatment of patients.

At least 6 people have died and more than 100 people have been diagnosed with dengue hemorrhagic fever, the most severe form of the disease which can be fatal if not properly treated.

A news article reported in the Canary Islands Press (in Spanish), can be read here [Broken Link].

Find out more about Dengue Fever here,

Our thanks to Nick & Daga of SY Hippocampus for bringing this news to our attention.