The United States Embassy in Nairobi has issued a health alert warning of increased dengue fever cases in parts of Kenya, urging travelers to take precautions against mosquito bites.
In the advisory issued on August 3, the US Embassy said the alert comes after the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its Travel Health Notice to include Kenya among countries reporting a higher number of dengue fever cases.
According to the advisory, the affected areas include Kenya’s coastal region, Wajir County and Garissa County, where travelers are advised to remain vigilant and take preventive measures.
“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has listed Kenya as a country reporting a higher number of cases of dengue fever in its updated Travel Health Notice,” the embassy said.
“Dengue is a mosquito-borne virus common in tropical and subtropical climates that can lead to fever, aches and pains, nausea and rashes.”
Dengue Fever Cases Rise
Kenya was the only African country listed in the notice, alongside several others recording increased infections among returning U.S. travellers.
The other countries include Bolivia, Cambodia, Colombia, Malaysia, Maldives, Sri Lanka and Vietnam.
According to the CDC’s notice, Kenya is currently under a Level 1 dengue advisory, with travellers advised to practice standard precautions.
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The embassy advised travellers planning to visit the affected areas to consult the CDC’s latest country health advisories before travelling.
It also urged visitors and residents to protect themselves from mosquito bites by using Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents.
Travelers have also been advised to wear long-sleeved shirts and long trousers while outdoors.
At the same time, they have been directed to sleep in air-conditioned rooms or rooms fitted with window screens.
The embassy further encouraged travellers who develop symptoms after visiting affected areas to seek medical attention promptly.
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About the Dengue Fever
Dengue fever is transmitted through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, which are most active during the day.
The disease can take up to 2 weeks to develop, with illness generally lasting less than a week.
Symptoms of dengue include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, rash, muscle and joint pain, and minor bleeding.
Dengue can become severe within a few hours. Severe dengue is a medical emergency, usually requiring hospitalization.
In severe cases, health effects can include hemorrhage (uncontrolled bleeding), shock (seriously low blood pressure), organ failure, and death.
The CDC noted that dengue remains a year-round risk in many parts of the world, with outbreaks typically occurring every two to five years.
The latest advisory comes as global health authorities continue monitoring the spread of dengue, with several countries reporting increased infections in recent months.
Health authorities recommend eliminating stagnant water around homes and workplaces, where mosquitoes breed, as one of the most effective ways of reducing transmission.
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