DENGUE FEVER EPIDEMIC ACCELERATES, WITH INCREASING

UNCLAS PRAIA 000209 DEPARTMENT FOR MED DAKAR FOR DR. MIRON E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: SOCI CDC TBIO UN CV SG SUBJECT: DENGUE FEVER EPIDEMIC ACCELERATES, WITH INCREASING FATALITIES REF: PRAIA 208 ¶1. Summary. The Dengue epidemic in Cape Verde has affected almost five percent of the population of the capital city of Praia, and five deaths have now occurred. Eighteen more patients are hospitalized with the hemorrhagic form of the disease. The number of suspected Dengue cases doubled over the course of the weekend, with a current estimate of 6,000 people infected. The disease is present on seven of the nine inhabited islands of the archipelago. In an effort to help health officials fight the disease, the Minister of Defense is dispatching Cape Verde's military nationwide to search for and eliminate stagnant water that may be serving as breeding grounds for mosquitoes. End summary ¶2. The number of suspected Dengue cases doubled from 3,000 to 6,000 in the three day period between Friday Oct 30 and Monday Nov 2 , primarily in the capital city of Praia whose population is 125,000. As of the morning of Tuesday, November 3, five people have died from internal hemorrhaging as a result of the disease. The latest death was a 34 year old female official of the Foreign Ministry who was otherwise healthy. Eighteen additional patients in the hemorrhagic stage of the disease are under treatment in Praia's primary hospital. Two of them are in critical condition. The primary treatment methodology being used is to hydrate and provide nutrients intravenously, as well as provide transfusions to hemorrhaging patients. Unfortunately, the local blood bank is already almost completely depleted, with no/no remaining stocks of any Rh negative blood. ¶3. The GoCV's preventive efforts include a televised campaign about mosquito avoidance, a live report by the Minister of Health on the November 3 evening news encouraging people with symptoms to report to local health centers, and deployment of the CV military to help eliminate stagnant water breeding grounds. The World Health Organization has two missions on the ground, one setting up a testing facility (as reported reftel) and a second group exploring ways to eliminate the mosquito population. A total of ten WHO experts is here at this time. ¶4. Post is in contact with the RMO and through him with MED to obtain information and advice. One American local hire staff member is confirmed to have Dengue and several LES dependents are among the suspected cases. Two of the Ambassador's three household staff members are also among the suspected cases. Post's POC on this issue is Consular Chief Lesley Hayden (238-260-8907). Updates will be provided as appropriate. MYLES