Warden Message: Senegal Alerts Citizens to Cape Verde Dengue Fever Outbreak

Consular Affairs Bulletins Report

U.S. Embassy Dakar issued the following Warden Message on November 6:

The U.S. Embassy in Dakar is issuing this Warden Message to inform U.S. citizens of a Dengue Fever outbreak, and related public health crisis, in neighboring Cape Verde.   The Cape Verdean Ministry of Health has reported over 3,000 suspected cases of dengue fever in the country as of late October.  The first officially reported death from this disease for this year was announced on November 2. 

Dengue Fever is endemic to West Africa, including Senegal.  The Embassy is working with the Ministry of Health to determine whether the incidence of Dengue Fever is also on the rise in Senegal; to date, no cases have been reported in Senegal.  However, given Senegal’s proximity to Cape Verde and the abundant ties between the two countries, the Embassy wishes to draw the attention of U.S. citizens to this issue, and to identify the following resource for those who wish to learn more about the disease and ways to limit exposure to it:   http://wwwtest.cdc.gov/dengue/.

U.S. citizens traveling abroad should regularly monitor the U.S. Embassy’s website the U.S. Department of State's, Bureau of Consular Affairs’ website www.travel.state.gov , where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information can be found. The U.S. Embassy also encourages U.S. citizens to review to "A Safe Trip Abroad," found at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1747.html , which includes valuable security information for those both living and traveling abroad. In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada, or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.

U.S. citizens living or traveling in Senegal are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy in Dakar through the State Department’s travel registration website, and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Senegal. Citizens without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, U.S. citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency. The U.S. Embassy is located at Avenue Jean XXIII, Dakar; the mailing address is B.P. 49, Dakar, Senegal. The telephone number is (221) 33 829-2100; after-hours (221) 33 829-2209. The U.S. Embassy website is http://dakar.usembassy.gov.