Two German travelers developed laboratory-confirmed Chikungunya virus infection after independent trips to Seychelles (Mahé and La Digue) in January 2026. Both cases were confirmed by positive PCR results for chikungunya virus in serum samples.
According to the Ministry of Health of Seychelles, chikungunya cases have been rising nationwide since mid-December 2025. The rainy season, which typically occurs from November to March, creates favorable conditions for mosquito breeding.
In 2025, a chikungunya cases were detected in June and July in travellers after a stay in Seychelles.
Seychelles is not currently listed as an area with a chikungunya outbreak by the US CDC. However, the detection of two independent travel-associated cases from Seychelles within an eight-day period suggests active local transmission.
Prevention: Optimal mosquito protection 24/7, also in cities, see factsheet: This also protects you against other mosquito-borne diseases. Vaccination against chikungunya is not licensed in Switzerland.
For vaccination recommendations, see ECTM statement.