About Chikungunya in Seychelles...
Victoria,
March 28, 2006 - Seychelles remains relatively undisturbed by the Chikungunya virus that has been affecting islands in the Indian Ocean. Last week saw the number of reported cases nationwide drop to below 200. La Digue reported no cases at all. Several clinics nationwide reported no new cases for several days last week. Eradication of the virus is within grasp of the health authorities.
This document is an informational FAQ (frequently asked questions) compiled by the Seychelles Tourism Board in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, to inform the visitors about the very latest regarding the status of Chikungunya in Seychelles.
Various information from STB’s past circulars and communiqués have been collated into this document and updated as a FAQ for ease of use and to provide all of Seychelles’ tourism partners with one handy reference document to address queries and any concerns that may arise as a result of the Chikungunya situation in the Indian Ocean.
What is the latest regarding Chikungunya in Seychelles?
• Incidences of the disease have been in decline for the 7th straight week.
• Last week saw the number of reported cases nationwide drop to below 200.
• La Digue reported no cases at all.
• Several clinics nationwide reported NO NEW CASES for several days last week.
• Eradication of the virus is within grasp of the health authorities.
A report from the World Health Organisation (WHO) liaison office in Seychelles from last week confirmed the above results and indicated the downward trend was expected to continue. According to the report: “The control measures have been efficient in reducing case load in Seychelles. Success was due to government, efficient partner mobilization and coordination and intensive public awareness campaigns launched all over the country.”
On March 8, the director general of the WHO, Dr Lee Jong-wook, stated publicly that the media has over exaggerated the threat of Chikungunya, and that the WHO would be putting forward a statement to reassure tourists planning to visit the region.
http://go.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=worldNews&storyID=11467725&src=rss/worldNews
What has Seychelles done to counteract Chikungunya?
Seychelles has embarked on a nationwide campaign to effectively cut off the only vector for transmission of Chikungunya – mosquitoes. This has included:
• A sensitization campaign through the media urging residents to clear any reservoirs of standing water and possible mosquito breeding sites around their homes and workplaces
• Mobilisation of community groups to clear mosquito breeding sites and clean up public places
• Targeted spraying of insecticide in specific areas
What is life in Seychelles like right now?
Life in Seychelles has remained relatively undisturbed by the presence of Chikungunya. The population at large has been quick to adopt simple, common-sense precautions, but residents have been going about their normal daily lives while visitors continue to explore the best the islands have to offer.
How has a small island nation like Seychelles been able to succeed in dealing with Chikungunya?
Seychelles was fortunate to have both natural, geographical advantages and also a sound and widespread health infrastructure already in place before Chikungunya first arrived in the country.
The initial spread of Chikungunya has largely been blamed on abnormally heavy rainfall in December and early January, which was believed to have increased the amount of mosquitoes in the country at that time. The rain has since stopped and the virus has been curtailed thanks to a combination of factors:
• The islands of Seychelles are tiny compared with that of other Indian Ocean countries, and do not have large marshy areas that facilitate the breeding of mosquitoes
• With less ground to cover, and a de-centralised health system that places clinics all over the islands, it has been much easier for the authorities concerned to monitor, control and manage its resources in relation to the occurrence of the virus
• Despite its small stature, Seychelles actually boasts a health and sanitation infrastructure that is ranked first in all of Africa and even ahead of some European nations (The UNDP Human Development Index actually places Seychelles 35th worldwide in terms of health services and sanitation)
• Public works (running water in homes, etc.) in Seychelles are very well developed, and water collection around households, which would favour the breeding of mosquitoes, have long been a thing of the past
What exactly is Chikungunya?
Chikungunya is a viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes, which typically brings about fever, joint and muscle pain, a rash and occasionally, nausea and vomiting. The illness is self-limiting and resolves within 4-7 days, but symptomatic treatment e.g. painkillers and rest is recommended. The infection runs a natural course and recovery is complete – meaning those who contract it do not remain a carrier.
Chikungunya, which is not endemic to Seychelles, is believed to have come to the archipelago from one of its Indian Ocean neighbours. The virus has historically been present in Asia and mainland Africa.
How safe is it in Seychelles and what should tourists be advised?
With or without Chikungunya, Seychelles remains one of the safest destinations anywhere in the world for travellers – there is no malaria, no cyclones and very little crime.
Health officials in Seychelles expect to eradicate Chikungunya completely, and the trends of the past three weeks indicate that goal is nor far away.
As most of the accommodation in Seychelles has air conditioning, and since mosquitoes are typically active at night, the relative risk of Chikungunya is thought to be quite low for visitors. Until the virus is completely eradicated, there could still be a slight risk of a visitor contracting Chikungunya while in Seychelles, but this should not deter potential visitors from travelling to the archipelago.
It is important to note that so far there have been no registered reports from any of the hospitals or clinics around Seychelles of a tourist having Chikungunya.
As always for a tropical country, tourists are advised to bring insect repellent during their stay as a precaution.
