US issues dengue travel alert for Kenya as cases riseThe United States has issued a travel health alert for Kenya following a rise in dengue fever cases, urging travellers to take extra precautions against mosquito bites.
In a health alert issued by the US Embassy in Nairobi, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) listed Kenya among countries reporting a higher number of dengue cases in its updated Travel Health Notice.
The advisory identifies Kenya's coastal region, as well as Wajir and Garissa counties, as areas where travellers should exercise caution.
"Dengue is a mosquito-borne virus common in tropical and subtropical climates that can lead to fever, aches and pains, nausea, and rashes," the embassy said.
The embassy urged travellers to consult the CDC's travel health advisories before travelling to affected areas and to take measures to avoid mosquito bites.
Recommended precautions include using an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved shirts and long trousers when outdoors, and sleeping in air-conditioned rooms or rooms fitted with window screens.
The alert comes as health authorities continue to monitor dengue infections in several parts of the country, with the disease primarily transmitted through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes.
The US Embassy advised travellers seeking more information to consult the CDC's travel health guidance or contact the agency directly before visiting affected areas.
Dengue is a viral infection that affects millions of people worldwide and is transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes.
Once diagnosed, it is important to follow medical advice closely, monitor symptoms, and prioritise rest.
Adequate hydration plays a crucial role in preventing complications, while nutritious meals help support the body's recovery process.
Patients should remain alert to warning signs that may indicate worsening illness and seek immediate medical assistance when necessary.
In some cases, hospitalisation may be recommended to ensure close monitoring and appropriate treatment during the recovery period.
In May, Garissa county embarked on a massive fumigation exercise aimed at containing the spread of dengue fever following a recent outbreak that has seen several residents hospitalised at the Garissa County Referral Hospital.
The two-week exercise, which officially kicked off on Thursday, will involve public health officials fumigating drainage areas, public institutions, schools, markets and other public spaces across Garissa township in an effort to eliminate mosquitoes responsible for spreading the disease.
Health officials said samples taken from patients admitted at the Garissa County Referral Hospital confirmed infections of dengue fever, a viral disease transmitted by the Aedes mosquito, which commonly breeds in stagnant water.
Speaking to the press after overseeing the launch of the fumigation exercise, Hassan Abdullahi, who was representing the Medical Officer of Health said laboratory tests conducted at the National Public Health Laboratory confirmed the outbreak after 28 out of 40 samples collected from both public and private health facilities tested positive for dengue fever.
