In a follow-up on the suspected plague situation in Seychelles, the Ministry of Health released an update on Saturday morning describing the current situation.

As of Oct. 14, a total of 13 people remain admitted in isolation including the index “probable” case who is currently stable and asymptomatic. The other 12 patients in the hospital remain stable on treatment and asymptomatic.

Image/CIA
Image/CIA

None of the 320 contacts (which include mostly teachers) related to the probable case and receiving antibiotic prophylaxis has developed symptoms. They are all off surveillance as of Saturday. They however need to complete the antibiotic prophylaxis course.

Specific contact tracing and surveillance is outlined below:

  • The total number of people admitted at the military academy for active surveillance are 19. None of them have developed any symptoms.
  • Eleven (11) family members of the first probable case, presently at Perseverance military training academy will be discharged home tomorrow at 10:00 am if no one develop symptoms.
  • One (1) family member on active surveillance at Baie St Anne Praslin hospital
  • Three (3) Seychellois nationals returned from Madagascar via Nairobi on 12th October. They remain well and are receiving prophylaxis.
  • Two (2) Italians who arrived on 12th October have left Seychelles
  • Two (2) Australian and one (1) Japanese arrived last night from Mauritius after having spent time in Madagascar. The Japanese will leave the country tomorrow and the Australians will remain in active surveillance for 7 days before being released on 20th Oct if they do not develop any symptoms to continue their holiday until 29th October.
  • A total 577 children and 63, (640) teachers at Anse Boileau Primary School and crèche have been given antibiotic prophylaxis. This is a precautionary measure in view of a potential contact with an admitted child.

Regional Health facilities (Beau Vallon, English River, Les Mamelles, Anse Boileau health centres and Anse Royale and Baie Ste Anne Hospitals) are being used to assess contact and provide prophylaxis.

The PHA is reinforcing the advisory to prevent people to travel to Madagascar for the time being.

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