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Seychelles confirms plague case, Madagascar flights suspended
The Seychelles has confirmed its first probable case of the plague.
A man arrived from Madagascar on an Air Seychelles flight last week and is now in an isolation unit in a Mahe hospital.
Health officials are monitoring all passengers on the flight along with all people he came into contact with since falling ill.
Air Seychelles has since suspended all flights to Madagascar.
He was diagnosed with pneumonic plague which is endemic in Madagascar, although it is usually restricted to rural areas.
The latest outbreak is more widespread than normal and has already killed 50 with over 500 confirmed cases.
It is spread by fleas which come into contact with rats.
Dr. Jude Gedeon, public health commissioner of the Seychelles has asked citizens not to panic and advised all not to travel to Madagascar.
Schools have been closed as a precaution ‘to reassure parents’ while minister for tourism, Ambassador Maurice Loustau-Lalanne said the tourism industry has not been impacted and the Seychelles remains open and is safe for visitors.
"I am not worried that we will have a large number of visitors cancelling their holiday, but my appeal is for us to appease the panic in Seychelles so as not to worsen the situation," the minister said.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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