The Cape Verdean health authorities have formally activated the national contingency plan in response to the international Ebola situation and the confirmation of the first case in Nigeria by the World Health Organization (WHO). The plan focuses on reorganizing and strengthening surveillance at the country's four international airports: Praia, São Vicente, Sal, and Boa Vista. As part of the measures, passengers are now required to fill out questionnaires with their travel history and epidemiological data.
The authorities have also distributed personal protective equipment for frontline medical teams and implemented the use of thermal equipment for automatic temperature detection of arriving passengers. Additionally, in line with requirements from the United States, the guidelines now include mandatory negative Ebola tests for all passengers entering or leaving Cabo Verde. These tests can be conducted at the laboratories of the National Institute of Public Health.
The National Director of Health reported that on Sunday, a delegation of five members from the Cape Verdean Boxing Federation arrived from a flight from the Democratic Republic of Congo. The team was immediately intercepted and evaluated by health teams at the airport. All passengers were asymptomatic, and mandatory home quarantine for up to 21 days was determined. Three passengers are isolated in Praia and one in São Vicente, all with medical leave and receiving daily visits from health technicians, showing no symptoms.
To date, Cabo Verde has not recorded any Ebola cases. Samples collected that require counter-analysis or reference confirmation will be sent to Dakar as part of direct cooperation with the Cape Verdean Institute of Public Health. The country is taking proactive measures to prevent an outbreak, including reorganizing and strengthening its surveillance systems at airports.
The home quarantine measure applies to individuals who have been in contact with suspected or confirmed Ebola cases or have traveled to high-risk areas. The authorities are working to ensure that those in quarantine receive proper medical care and monitoring. The National Institute of Public Health is also working to introduce rapid tests and expand services to health centers.
The Cape Verdean government is working closely with international partners, including the WHO, to monitor the situation and respond to any potential threats. The country's contingency plan is designed to be flexible and adaptable to changing circumstances. The authorities are urging the public to remain calm but vigilant.
The situation in Cabo Verde remains under control, with no reported cases of Ebola. The authorities continue to work to prevent an outbreak and ensure the public's safety. The country's preparedness and response measures are being closely monitored by international health authorities.
Key points
- Cabo Verde activates national contingency plan to prevent Ebola outbreak
- Mandatory negative Ebola tests required for passengers entering or leaving the country
- Home quarantine implemented for individuals who have been in contact with suspected or confirmed Ebola cases
