No new cloxacillin-related incidents reported |19 January 2023

Ministry of Health still conducting investigation and tests

Following the health alert issued on Saturday January 14, 2023, the Ministry of Health is still conducting an investigation and tests, but are yet to draw any conclusions in relation to the cloxacillin antibiotic.

The alert for persons to stop the use of cloxacillin and for others prescribed the drug to return them to health centres was issued following an incident on Saturday January 14 involving two persons at the Anse Royale Hospital, which resulted in the death of one patient and admission of another.

As per a communiqué issued yesterday, the person admitted to the Seychelles Hospital on Saturday has recovered, and is in stable condition.

The alert was issued as a precaution since preliminary reports indicated that both patients had taken cloxacillin.

No new incidents have been reported since its issuance, although the alert remains in force until the conclusion of investigations and tests, and there is greater clarity.

“Patients who were prescribed with the drug have been attending health centres. There are no reports of any complications or significant health concerns,” the communiqué states.

In the meantime, cloxacillin has not been prescribed and patients are still advised not to take any cloxacillin tablets, capsules or syrups, even if prescribed prior to the alert.

The Ministry of Health has other antibiotics which function similarly to cloxacillin, and patients are being treated and advised as appropriate.

According to the communiqué, further updates are to be issued as the investigation progresses.

Laura Pillay