Clinical and Epidemiological Characterization of Dengue Outbreak in Cabo Verde, 2009-2010

Background: Dengue fever is one of the most significant public health problems as a vector-borne disease intropical and subtropical countries. Cape Verde, a tropical country located in the Atlantic coast, has recorded cases ofvector-borne diseases since the colonization of the islands, Cape Verde. In 2009, for the first time, an outbreak ofdengue has been detected in Cabo Verde, namely in the Sotavento islands. In this study, we analyzed the clinicaland epidemiological characteristics of dengue in Cape Verde during the outbreak in 2009-2010 and the next years,until 2016.Methods: Based on officially reported dengue cases from Cabo Verde during the outbreak 2009-2010 and theothers residual cases until 2016, epidemiological and clinical characteristics were analyzed.Results: A total of 25.088 of cases of Dengue Fever (DF) were recorded, being mainly (more than 99%) duringthe outbreak in 2009-2010 and 174 Hemorrhagic Dengue Fever (HDF) cases in the same year. In the next years,imported cases were notified and in 2016, other 4 indigenous cases were notified in the country. The majority ofcases were reported in Santiago, the main island, especially in Praia, the capital, São Filipe, in Fogo and Maio. Theprincipal symptoms during the outbreak were retro-orbital pain, fever and headache and the principal clinic's formswere the classic dengue, viruses, and dengue with warning signs, with 15.577, 7.150 and 2.344 cases respectively.Conclusion: For the first time, the country experienced the dengue virus in its territory, with greater weight inBarlavento Islands. Because of the ability to respond few cases of death were recorded during the outbreak. Thelessons learned from this epidemic resulted in an investment in all areas regarding the prevention and control ofdengue and other arboviruses.