Spread of arboviruses continues

The Ministry of Health confirms the continued circulation of arboviruses in Seychelles and urges

the public and partners to intensify prevention and surveillance measures. Laboratory

surveillance and retrospective testing show that dengue, Zika and chikungunya have been present

in the country since 2024, with active dengue transmission persisting and a recent rise in

chikungunya reports coinciding with the rainy season.

Key updates

• Dengue remains a threat, since 2015 Seychelles has recorded a protracted dengue epidemic.

• There has been sporadic surge in cases, especially after rainy seasons.

• Clinical burden in 2025 - 2026, during 2025, there were increased in doctor consultations for

  fever and rash syndromes compatible with arboviral infection. While there were few positive

  cases of dengue, the December and January surge has been mostly attributed to chikungunya.

• Once again, this increase aligns well with the rainy season, which favours mosquito breeding.

• The principal vectors, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, are present and widespread,

  sustaining local transmission potential for all three viruses.

The co-circulation of dengue, Chikungunya and to a lesser extent Zika presents diagnostic and

operational challenges because these infections share similar early symptoms (fever, rash, joint pain).

Management for all of them are symptomatic.

The Ministry of Health, and partner agencies, has activated the following measures:

• Enhanced surveillance and testing: Clinical alerts have been issued to public and private health

  facilities to include dengue, Zika and chikungunya in differential diagnoses for fever-rash

  syndromes and to prioritise sample collection and timely laboratory confirmation.

• Outbreak investigations: Rapid investigations and contact tracing are being conducted for

  identified clusters, including targeted testing and vector assessments at affected sites.

• Community engagement and risk communication: Health education campaigns using multiple

  platforms are underway to inform the public about symptoms, care-seeking, and household

  measures to reduce mosquito breeding (emptying containers, covering water storage, clearing

  gutters) .

• Vector control: Targeted source reduction, larviciding where appropriate, and environmental

  sanitation activities are being scaled up in high-risk areas, particularly where clusters have been

  detected.

• Clinical guidance and IPC: Frontline health workers are being briefed on case management,

  infection prevention, and referral pathways, with emphasis on protecting pregnant women and

  vulnerable groups.

• Multisectoral coordination: The Ministry is coordinating with local government, tourism

  operators, environmental services and community leaders to ensure a unified response.

What the public should do

• Eliminate standing water around homes and workplaces (flower pots, tyres, buckets, gutters).

• Use personal protection: wear long sleeves, use mosquito repellent, and sleep under nets where

  appropriate.

• Seek care early if you develop fever, rash, severe headache, joint pain or bleeding; pregnant

  women with symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.

• Cooperate with public health teams during investigations and vector control activities.

Nipah Virus

The Ministry of Health is closely monitoring the outbreak of Nipah virus infection (NiV) in West Bengal, India, which was reported on 26 January 2026 to WHO. According to the Indian situation report, there are currently two confirmed cases of Nipah virus (NIV) infection in West Bengal State, India. The outbreak remains localised to West Bengal, with no sustained community transmission reported. This is the 3rd Nipah virus outbreak in India since 2001. NiV transmission currently is mainly by exposure to bats, and consumption of date palm sap or fruits contaminated by bats in endemic regions. Human to human transmission is rare but does occur after close contacts.

The time from infection to the onset of symptoms – ranges from 3 to 14 days. For some people, Nipah virus infection may be asymptomatic. However, most people develop a fever, and symptoms involving the brain (such as headache or confusion), and/or the lungs (such as difficulty breathing or cough). Other organs can also be affected. Frequent other symptoms include chills, fatigue, drowsiness, dizziness, vomiting and diarrhoea.

Treatment is symptomatic and supportive

Seychelles have taken precautionary measures that include;

• Increasing surveillance to NiV

• Medical practitioners and laboratories are required to notify Public Health Authority immediately

  any suspected cases of NiV infections in patients with compatible symptoms and recent travel

  history to the affected area.

• Automatic Temperature screening at the airport is being set up, for incoming flights.

To reduce the risk of exposure to NiV, PHA advises individuals travelling to affected areas to maintain vigilance and adopt the following health precautions:

• Avoid food and drinks potentially contaminated by bats, such as raw date palm sap, and fruit found on the ground

• Avoid direct contact with unwell persons.

• Avoid direct contact with animals (especially bats and pigs) and bat roosting areas.

• Consume fully cooked food and fruits, that can be washed and peeled

• Maintain good personal hygiene.

Travellers who develop symptoms during or after travel should seek prompt medical attention and inform their doctors of their recent travel and any potential exposure to raw date palm sap, bats or unwell persons.

Mpox

While on a global level, including in the Afro region, the incidence of Mpox keeps decreasing, over the past weeks, several countries in the Indian Ocean region are reporting cases of mpox. The countries affected are Comoros, who reported 4 cases in January 2026, Reunion reported 1 case. Madagascar has the highest number of reported cases and is currently facing an important active mpox outbreak, which began in early December 2025. The individuals infected had no recent history of travel. This outbreak has quickly expanded across the country with established community transmission of up to January 27th 2026, Madagascar has reported 201 confirmed cases of Mpox with no reports of death. (MOH Madagascar website.)

Mpox is a viral disease, transmitted from animals to humans and from humans to humans. It is characterized by fever and rash. The Mpox virus spreads through contact with respiratory droplets, lesion material, body fluids, contaminated materials and surfaces. There is no specific treatment for Mpox, which remains mainly supportive and symptomatic.

Given the close proximity of Seychelles with Madagascar, the Ministry of Health Seychelles is strengthening its public health preparedness and response to mpox infections. A series of measures are being implemented, including:

• Enhanced Surveillance and detection of any case of mpox in the country including at its borders. Ensuring Laboratory Readiness for testing for mpox.

• Strengthening Case Management and Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) and Health workers preparedness.

• Implementing non-stigmatising risk communication targeted at communities and travelers

The Public is advised to take extra precautions when traveling to these affected areas and to practice high hygiene standards and avoid risky sexual practices, including unprotected sex, sex with unknown persons or having multiple sexual partners. If symptoms appear, seek medical advice as soon as possible and avoid high-risk contact with others to reduce the risk of Mpox transmission. The Ministry of Health will continue to closely monitor this situation of Mpox and take corresponding precautionary measures when appropriate to lower the risk of Mpox transmission.

Quelle: Ministry of Health, Seychelles