The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently issued a travel notice (Level 2 – Practice Enhanced Precautions) due to an outbreak of chikungunya on the island country off the east coast of Africa in the Indian ocean.
According to a February 5 press release from the Ministry of Health (MOH) Seychelles, continued circulation of arboviruses in Seychelles is confirmed.
There has been increased doctor consultations for fever and rash syndromes compatible with arbovirus infections in 2025-2026. While there were few positive cases of dengue, the December and January surge has mostly been attributed to chikungunya, which aligns with the rainy season.
The MOH did not publish any numbers in the press release.
Health officials say the principal vectors, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, are present and widespread.
CDC notes that you can protect yourself by preventing mosquito bites, which includes using insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, and staying in places with air conditioning or that have screens on the windows and doors.
Vaccination is recommended for travelers who are visiting an area with a chikungunya outbreak.
Chikungunya disease is caused by the chikungunya virus and is spread to humans through mosquito bites.
Most people infected with chikungunya virus develop some symptoms. Symptoms of chikungunya usually begin 3–7 days after a bite by an infected mosquito. The most common symptoms are fever and joint pain. Other symptoms may include headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, or rash. Most people get better within a week; however, some can have severe joint pain for months to years following acute illness.
People at risk for more severe disease include newborns infected around the time of birth, older adults (65 years or older), and people with medical conditions such as diabetes or heart disease. Death from chikungunya is rare.
There is no specific treatment for chikungunya.
Lastly, CDC recommends you seek medical care if you develop fever, joint pain, headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, or rash, during or after travel.
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