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Seychelles Issues Chikungunya Alert: CDC Level 2 Advisory

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Friday, February 13th 2026 at 12:30 GMT by Travel + Leisure
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Friday, February 13th, 2026 - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Level 2 Travel Health Advisory for the Seychelles on February 10th, 2026, following a significant increase in reported cases of Chikungunya fever. As of today, the island nation has confirmed over 1,000 cases since late January, raising concerns for travelers and prompting public health officials to implement preventative measures.

Understanding the Chikungunya Threat

Chikungunya is a viral disease transmitted to humans primarily through the bites of infected Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. These mosquitoes are also known vectors for other dangerous diseases like dengue fever and Zika virus, creating a complex public health challenge in tropical and subtropical regions globally. The name "Chikungunya" itself originates from a word in the Makonde language, meaning "to become bent over," a descriptive reference to the debilitating joint pain often associated with the illness.

While the virus rarely proves fatal, its symptoms can be intensely painful and last for weeks, months, or even years in some individuals. Initial symptoms often include fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, and a characteristic rash. The joint pain, frequently affecting the hands and feet, is the hallmark of Chikungunya and can be so severe it limits mobility and daily activities. Unlike some viral illnesses where symptoms subside relatively quickly, the chronic joint pain can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, leading to long-term disability and economic hardship.

Seychelles: A Developing Situation

The recent spike in cases within Seychelles is particularly noteworthy. While sporadic outbreaks of Chikungunya have occurred in the past, the current surge surpasses previous levels, indicating a heightened risk of transmission. Health officials in Seychelles are working to identify the source of the outbreak, implement mosquito control measures, and educate the public on preventative strategies. These measures include eliminating mosquito breeding sites (standing water in containers, tires, etc.), fogging operations to reduce adult mosquito populations, and public awareness campaigns.

The Seychelles Ministry of Health is collaborating with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the CDC to monitor the situation closely and implement effective control strategies. The Ministry is also encouraging residents to take personal responsibility for mosquito control around their homes and properties.

What Travelers Need to Know: CDC Level 2 Advisory A Level 2 "Alert" advisory, as designated by the CDC, signifies a potential risk to travelers' health. It indicates that a destination has a notable public health issue which could affect visitors, though the risk isn't considered severe enough to warrant avoiding travel altogether. The CDC strongly recommends that travelers to Seychelles take proactive steps to minimize their exposure to mosquito bites. These recommendations include:

• Protective Clothing: Wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks, particularly during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
• Insect Repellent: Applying insect repellent containing DEET (20% or higher), picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), or para-menthane-diol (PMD) to exposed skin. Repellents should be applied according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Accommodation Choices: Selecting accommodations with functional mosquito netting or screens on windows and doors.
• Environmental Awareness: Being mindful of surroundings and avoiding areas with high mosquito populations, such as stagnant water sources and dense vegetation.

Post-Travel Care and Diagnosis

If travelers develop symptoms consistent with Chikungunya, such as fever, joint pain, rash, or fatigue, within two weeks of returning from Seychelles, they are advised to seek medical attention immediately. It is crucial to inform the healthcare provider about recent travel history, as this aids in accurate diagnosis and timely treatment. Diagnosis typically involves blood tests to detect the presence of the Chikungunya virus or antibodies. Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment for Chikungunya, so care focuses on relieving symptoms through pain management, rest, and fluids.

The CDC and WHO continue to monitor the global spread of mosquito-borne diseases and provide updated travel health recommendations. Travelers are encouraged to visit the CDC's website ([ https://www.cdc.gov/ ]) for the latest information and advisories before their trip.