Avian Flu Diary: Seychelles MOH: Update On Plague Alert

#12,821

Unlike in Madagascar, where the number of confirmed and suspected plague cases is approaching 700, the news from the Seychelles continues to be positive.

After their MOH Reported 1 Imported Plague Case ex Madagascar early last week we've seen an aggressive public health response (see Seychelles Implements New Measures Against Pneumonic Plague) - and so far, at least - no additional confirmed cases have been reported.

As the following update (released about 6am EST today) from the Seychelles MOH describes, new arrivals are being screened, hundred of contacts are being monitored and are receiving prophylactic antibiotics.

Press Release: Update on Plague Alert

The multisectoral IDSR committee met again this morning Saturday to discuss the current alert on the plague. The outbreak in Madagascar is expanding into new districts with new cases and deaths reported daily.

Suspected Case update (A total of 13 people remain admitted in isolation)

•The index patient (probable case) is still admitted on the hospital ward and has no symptoms and is stable. Today is the 6th day of treatment and as per clinical guidelines, the patient is no longer infectious. He remains to complete his antibiotic course

•The other eleven (11) patients in the hospital remain stable on treatment and asymptomatic. This includes the foreign national.

•One person was admitted yesterday with relatively mild symptoms; dry cough and history of fever. She is asymptomatic today.

Contact tracing and surveillance

•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 today. They however need to complete the antibiotic prophylaxis course.

•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 will be leaving Seychelles tonight

-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.

•Should anyone who is on prophylaxis develop fever, cough or other symptoms, they should contact their health centre, the Hotline 141 or Dr Jastin Bibi on 2723739 or Dr Naomi Adeline 2711818

•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.