Seychelles: Travelers Face High Chikungunya Risk

Health officials have issued an alert regarding a high risk of chikungunya virus infection for travelers to the Seychelles. Since November 2025, 13 EU/EEA countries have reported over 110 travel-related cases among visitors returning from the archipelago.

This emergence aligns with a broader regional spread throughout the Indian Ocean, with Reunion experiencing a major outbreak in 2025. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control highlights that the likelihood of infection for travelers is currently high, especially as the peak travel period from February to April approaches.

Chikungunya spreads through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, which are active during the day. Symptoms include high fever and severe joint pain, which can persist for months. While serious complications are rare, certain groups like the very young, elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions are at higher risk.