The Ministry of Health has reported a decline in arbovirus cases in Seychelles, while authorities continue to monitor Mpox in Madagascar and Nipah virus in India.
Speaking in an interview, Public Health Commissioner Dr Jude Gedeon said the update follows the previous press briefing held on 6 January.
“Following the press briefing that we gave on the 6th of January, we came today to give an update of the situation of the Arbovirus in Seychelles,” Dr Gedeon said.
Arbovirus cases declining
Dr Gedeon said health facilities recorded a rise in people seeking treatment until the third week of January. However, cases have since decreased.
“Since then, the cases have been dropping and as I speak now, the number of cases are still going down,” he said.
He linked the decline partly to reduced rainfall and public health interventions. Testing of selected samples continues to confirm the circulating viruses.
“It’s still chikungunya. We’re seeing isolated cases of dengue and no cases of Zika at the moment,” he said.
Mpox situation in Madagascar
Dr Gedeon said Madagascar has confirmed more than 200 Mpox cases, with additional suspected cases not yet tested. He added there is evidence of spread in other countries in the region.
He advised Seychellois travelling to Madagascar to take precautions.
“If you travel to Madagascar, please do not have close physical interaction, especially sexual interaction, with people whose status you do not know,” he said. “If you are having any sexual contact, please use protection.”
Border and surveillance measures
The Ministry of Health has introduced measures at points of entry. Public health officers are present at the airport and seaport. The Travizory platform has also been updated to send health guidance to travellers arriving from Madagascar and India.
“We have also reinstalled the temperature scanner at the airport. It will go live on Monday,” Dr Gedeon said.
He added that authorities are working with the Department of Immigration on the electronic border security system. Healthcare workers have also been briefed to strengthen facility and laboratory surveillance.
“We are able to test for Mpox immediately if we have a suspected case,” he said.
Nipah virus monitoring
Dr Gedeon said India has reported two confirmed Nipah virus cases. He noted that nearly 200 contacts tested negative and monitoring continues.
He advised travellers returning from affected areas to remain alert.
“We advise people who may have come from that region to report any symptoms up to three weeks after returning to Seychelles,” he said.
Health authorities said surveillance and response measures remain in place.