U.S. issues health security alert for travellers to Kenya
U.S. issues health security alert for travellers to Kenya
The United States (U.S.)Embassy in Nairobi has issued a health alert to travellers, warning of an increased risk of dengue fever in parts of the country.
In the alert, Kenya has been identified as one of the countries reporting higher-than-usual dengue cases, with the warning specifically covering the coastal region as well as Wajir and Garissa counties.
The embassy’s advisory follows an updated Travel Health Notice issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) after it recorded elevated dengue activity in affected countries.
“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 alert explained.
Kenya was the only African country listed in the notice, alongside several others recording increased infections among returning U.S. travellers, including Bolivia, Cambodia, Colombia, Malaysia, Maldives, Sri Lanka and Vietnam.
Dengue, a mosquito-borne viral disease, is commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions and can cause fever, headaches, muscle and joint pain, nausea and skin rashes.
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The CDC noted that while most infections are mild, severe cases can develop rapidly and may require hospital treatment.
Serious dengue infections can lead to uncontrolled bleeding, dangerously low blood pressure, organ failure and, in some instances, death.
According to the CDC’s notice, Kenya is currently under a Level 1 dengue advisory, with travellers advised to practice standard precautions.
U.S. citizens travelling to or living in the affected areas have been urged to remain vigilant and follow the outlined preventive measures while in the affected parts of Kenya.
Recommended precautions include using insect repellents registered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), wearing long-sleeved clothing and long trousers when outdoors, and sleeping in air-conditioned rooms or buildings fitted with window screens.
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.
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