Cape Verde reports 1,400 viral conjunctivitis cases
Sal island health authorities confirm a viral conjunctivitis outbreak with 1,400 cases, primarily affecting children and hotel workers.
Health authorities on Sal island, Cape Verde, reported approximately 1,400 cases of viral conjunctivitis on Monday, October 20. The outbreak saw a peak of 429 cases in one epidemiological week. The Secretary of State for Health, Artur Veiga, stated the situation is under control and urged the public to remain calm, emphasizing there is no cause for alarm or extreme measures.
A national technical team will be dispatched to bolster epidemiological investigation and support the Sal Regional Health Delegation and Hospital. The clinical presentation aligns with viral conjunctivitis, predominantly impacting children, young people, and hotel industry employees. Investigations on 644 cases revealed no hospital admissions.
While the specific causative agent is awaiting confirmation from samples sent to the Pasteur Institute in Dakar, epidemiological analysis indicates the average age of those affected is 16 years. Chã de Matias is identified as the most critical area, accounting for 45 percent of analyzed cases due to its population density.
Why it mattersThe conjunctivitis outbreak affects children, young people, and hotel workers on Sal island, potentially impacting their daily activities and health.