Seychelles: Nationwide dengue fever outbreak continues

Event

According to health officials in Seychelles, at least 4459 cases of dengue fever had been reported nationwide between January 1 and mid-May. The outbreak has reportedly affected Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue. Efforts to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds are to be anticipated in the coming weeks.

Context

Symptoms of dengue fever include fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, fatigue, nausea, and rashes. Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) is a potentially deadly complication that is characterized by high fever, the enlargement of the liver, and hemorrhaging.

Advice

Individuals in Seychelles are advised to take measures to protect themselves from mosquito bites - by wearing covering clothing, using insect repellent, and sleeping under mosquito netting or in an air-conditioned room - and to eliminate possible mosquito breeding grounds (e.g. small pockets of fresh water, including rainwater that has collected in cans, bottles, tires, flower pots, clogged gutters, etc.).