The Centers for Disease Control has issued a level 2 health advisory for travelers heading to the Seychelles due to an outbreak of chikungunya, a mosquito-borne virus with no known treatment. The advisory urges visitors to take enhanced precautions, including vaccination before travel and preventing mosquito bites through repellents and protective clothing.

Chikungunya causes fever, joint pain, headaches, and rash, though deaths remain rare. The CDC specifically warns that pregnant women should consider avoiding travel, as mothers can pass the virus to newborns during delivery, potentially causing severe illness. People over 65 and those with diabetes or heart disease face higher risks of serious complications.

The Seychelles, an island nation in the Indian Ocean near East Africa, comprises about 115 islands and is known for its beaches, coral reefs, and rare wildlife. The outbreak threatens to impact the country's tourism industry, which is vital to its economy. Travelers experiencing symptoms should seek medical care during or after their visit.