Maria da Luz Lima explained that the country has had a contingency plan for the monkeypox (mpox) virus for more than a year, an instrument that is continuously updated in line with new information and guidance from international health authorities. Mpox is the current name for the disease that was previously…
Maria da Luz Lima explained that the country has had a contingency plan for the monkeypox (mpox) virus for more than a year, an instrument that is continuously updated in line with new information and guidance from international health authorities.
Mpox is the current name for the disease previously known as “monkeypox.”
“We have a contingency plan that needs to be updated in accordance with new information and guidance,” the official said, emphasizing that the National Institute of Public Health (INSP) is working to strengthen preparedness and response capacity so that any suspected case can be quickly identified, diagnosed, and managed according to the public health measures in place.
In statements to Inforpress, the president of the INSP revealed that information and training for healthcare professionals has already been provided, while there are also plans to strengthen coordination between the various health structures to ensure a rapid response to any potential cases.
Maria da Luz Lima also highlighted that the plan includes a risk communication and community engagement component, which has already been communicated to officials at the Ministry of Health, both at central and local levels, including health delegates and hospital directors.
The official recalled that Cape Verde has a public health emergency management structure, including the Public Health Emergency Operations Center, located within the INSP itself, which remains permanently active to respond to various epidemiological threats.
In the laboratory field, Maria da Luz Lima said that the country has the capacity to conduct molecular biology testing, acquired and strengthened during the COVID-19 pandemic, including genomic sequencing capabilities.
“In terms of training and equipment, the country is already different,” she stressed, explaining that although tests are specific to each microorganism, the technical and human capacity in place allows the country to respond to new epidemics.
Regarding the arrival of people from Guinea-Bissau, the INSP president clarified that surveillance at points of entry is the responsibility of health delegates, who have monitoring and detection mechanisms in place.
Praia, São Vicente, Boa Vista, and Sal are the four main international entry points covered by these mechanisms, through which passengers arriving from the region and other African countries are monitored.
Maria da Luz Lima said that identifying a potential mpox case upon entry depends primarily on the presence of associated symptoms and an epidemiological link.
“If the person has symptoms and an epidemiological link”—particularly if they have been in Guinea-Bissau or another affected country—“it is clearly a suspected case,” she explained.
In such circumstances, she added, established procedures are activated, including the necessary tests and investigations for other diseases that may present similar symptoms, allowing for a differential diagnosis.
The same source therefore stressed that preparedness should not be limited to mpox, but should form part of an ongoing strategy to prevent and respond to the various epidemics and health threats that may emerge.
“That preparedness is permanent and ongoing,” Maria da Luz Lima said, advocating for health authorities to remain on alert in order to ensure a rapid response and prevent any potential cases from spreading within the country.
Mpox is transmitted primarily through close contact with an infected person, particularly through contact with skin lesions, bodily fluids, or contaminated materials.
It can also be transmitted through prolonged and close person-to-person contact.
In general, the disease resolves spontaneously within a few weeks, but it can be more severe in certain groups, particularly people who are immunocompromised.
