Tuesday, October 17, 2017

Seychelles MOH Update On Plague - Oct 17th




















#12,832

While the most recent reports from Madagascar (see MOH: Confirmed & Suspected Plague Now Exceeds 800 Cases) continues to show their pneumonic plague epidemic to be out of control, the news from the Seychelles is far more positive with only their imported index case presumed positive for plague.
Although test results on some of his contacts are still awaited, all have received prophylactic antibiotics and remain asymptomatic.
 This was posted on the Seychelles MOH Facebook page about an hour ago.
Press Release: Update on Plague Alert

The Plague outbreak in Madagascar continues and remains uncontrolled. According to the latest report, currently, the epidemic is now circulating in 38 of the 114 districts of Madagascar. Antananarivo is the most affected city/district. By yesterday, (16th Oct 2017), 805 cases have been reported (595 pneumonic and 210 bubonic). There has been 74 deaths (9.2% of notified cases) 

Training in contact tracing was conducted today for 60 health care workers, red cross volunteers and other key partners by two WHO experts in conjunction with DSRU. 

Update of cases admitted on suspicion or for precautionary measure

A total of 12 people remain admitted in isolation in hospital.

  • The index patient (probable case) is still admitted on the hospital ward and has no symptoms and is stable. Today is the 9th day of treatment as per clinical guidelines, the patient is no longer infectious. He remains in isolation to complete his antibiotic course.
  •  The other eleven (11) patients in the hospital are stable on treatment and asymptomatic. This includes the foreign national.
Contact tracing and surveillance
  • The total number of people admitted at the Perseverance military academy for active surveillance remain 6. None of them has developed any symptoms.
  • Three (3) Seychellois nationals returned from Madagascar via Nairobi on Thursday 12th October. They remain well and are receiving prophylaxis and will go home if they remain asymtomatic.
  •  A French national who left Madagascar on 13th October via Reunion will remain in the facility until 19th of October.
  • Two (2) Australians who arrived on Friday 13th October from Mauritius after having spent time in Madagascar will remain in active surveillance for 7 days before being released on 19th October if they do not develop any symptoms.
  •  A total of 577 children and 63 teachers (640) at Anse Boileau Primary School and crèche have reached 7 days after last potential contact with the admitted child. They are also off passive surveillance as of today.
  • Laboratory samples were successfully shipped on Sunday evening and received on Monday afternoon by Pasteur institute France. We are now awaiting results.
  • Should anyone who is on prophylaxis develop fever, cough or other symptoms, they should contact their health centre, the Hotline 141, 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.
  • The Public Health Authority (PHA) is reinforcing the advisory to discourage people from travelling to Madagascar for the time being. Anyone who has information that a Seychellois national is planning to travel to Madagascar should send a report to the Public Health authority or refer to CDCU.
  • Hotline 141 is active and people can call for information and advice.
http://www.health.gov.sc/index.php/press-releases/