Update: Malaria Outbreak Continues in Cape Verde Capital City, Praia

The Ministry of Health in Cape Verde has reported that the outbreak of malaria continues in Praia, the capital city of Cape Verde on Sao Tiago (also known as Santiago) Island. From January–Sept 3, 2017, a total of 155 cases of locally-transmitted P. falciparum malaria were reported in Praia: 7 cases from January–June, 44 cases in July, 83 cases in August, and 21 cases in the first 3 days of September.

Public health authorities in Cape Verde continue to work with the World Health Organization to monitor and respond to this outbreak.

In light of the ongoing outbreak, CDC continues to recommend that travelers to the city of Praia on Sao Tiago Island take antimalarials to prevent malaria. Effective antimalarial options include atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, and mefloquine. CDC will continue to monitor the malaria situation in Cape Verde and will update these recommendations as needed.

Malaria and other diseases are spread by mosquito bites, therefore measures to prevent mosquito bites should be taken regardless of area of travel. These measures include using insect repellent when outdoors, staying in an air-conditioned or well-screened area, and sleeping under an insecticide treated bed net.

See the CDC Malaria website for additional health information about malaria including prevention of mosquito bites and drugs for malaria prevention. For general health information for travelers to all areas of the world, see the CDC Traveler’s Health website.