CDC warns travelers as virus outbreak hits Seychelles: Symptoms, precautions and more

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a health advisory for travelers to the Seychelles, a famous island destination popular for its white-sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and granite rock formations. The notice follows confirmation of a chikungunya virus outbreak earlier this month, a mosquito-borne disease that can cause fever, severe joint pain, headache, rashes, and fatigue, with symptoms generally happening three to seven days after a bite.

“Some can have severe joint pain for months to years following acute illness,” the CDC stated. “Death from chikungunya is rare.”

How Travelers Can Protect Themselves

The CDC recommends precautionary measures to prevent mosquito bites,which includes:

• Applying insect repellent
  
• Wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants
  
• Staying in accommodations with air conditioning or screened windows and doors
  

Additionally, the CDC suggests that vaccination is advised for travelers visiting an area with a chikungunya outbreak, like the Seychelles. Pregnant people are urged to consider avoiding travel due to possible mother-to-child transmission, and individuals more than 65 or with underlying medical concerns such as diabetes or heart disease are at higher risk for severe illness. Anyone experiencing symptoms during or following travel should seek medical care immediately.

About the Seychelles

The Seychelles is an island republic in the Indian Ocean near East Africa, which consists of almost 115 islands. The islands are home to rare wildlife like giant Aldabra tortoises and the Seychelles black parrot, as well as UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Aldabra Atoll and Vallée de Mai. According to government data, around 354,034 travelers travelled to the islands from January to November 2025, attracted by tourism, fishing, snorkeling, diving, and relaxation on its world-renowed beaches.

FAQs:

Q1. What is the CDC advisory about?
The CDC issued a health advisory for visitors to Seychelles. It is due to a chikungunya virus outbreak confirmed earlier this month.

Q2. What is chikungunya?
Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne virus causing fever, joint pain, headaches, and rashes. Symptoms normally appear three to seven days after being bitten.