Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
IN MAURITIUS, RÉUNION & SEYCHELLES
Availability & Cost of Health Care
Health care in Mauritius and Réunion is generally excellent; the Seychelles is pretty good by African standards, but some
travellers have been critical of the standard of the public health system. Generally, public hospitals offer the cheapest ser-
vice, but may not have the most up-to-date equipment and medications; private hospitals and clinics are more expensive
but tend to have more advanced drugs and equipment and better trained medical staff.
Infectious Diseases
It's a formidable list but, as we say, a few precautions go a long way.
Chikungunya
This viral infection transmitted by certain mosquito bites was traditionally rare in the Indian Ocean until 2005 when an
epidemic hit Réunion, Mauritius and Seychelles. Chikungunya (the unusual name means 'that which bends up' in the East
African language of Makonde, a reference to the joint pain and physical distortions it creates in sufferers) is rarely fatal,
but it can be, and it's always unpleasant. Symptoms are often flu-like, with joint pain, high fever and body rashes being
the most common.
It's important not to confuse it with dengue fever, but if you're diagnosed with chikungunya expect to be down for at
least a week, possibly longer. The joint pain can be horrendous and there is no treatment, those infected need simply to
rest inside (preferably under a mosquito net to prevent reinfection), taking gentle exercise to avoid joints stiffening un-
bearably. Over 200 people died in Réunion from chikungunya in 2005 to 2006, but at the time of writing the epidemic
was over and should not be considered a major threat. Still, the best way to avoid it is to avoid mosquito bites, so bring
plenty of repellent, use the anti-mosquito plug-ins wherever you can and bring a mosquito net if you're really thorough.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is spread through contaminated food (particularly shellfish) and water. It causes jaundice and, although it is
rarely fatal, it can cause prolonged lethargy and delayed recovery. If you've had hepatitis A, you shouldn't drink alcohol
for up to six months afterwards, but once you've recovered, there won't be any long-term problems. The first symptoms
include dark urine and a yellow colour to the whites of the eyes. Sometimes a fever and abdominal pain might be present.
Hepatitis A vaccine (Avaxim, VAQTA, Havrix) is given as an injection: a single dose will give protection for up to a year,
and a booster after a year gives 10-year protection. Hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines can also be given as a single-dose
vaccine (Hepatyrix or Viatim).
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is spread through infected blood, contaminated needles and sexual intercourse. It can also be passed from an
infected mother to the baby during childbirth. It affects the liver, causing jaundice and occasionally liver failure. Most
people recover completely, but some people might be chronic carriers of the virus, which could lead eventually to cir-
rhosis or liver cancer. Those visiting high-risk areas for extended periods or those with increased social or occupational
