Kenya: Malaria outbreak spreads, killing 30 as of Oct. 5

Event

A malaria outbreak in Kenya has left at least 30 people dead over the past week in the country's Marsabit and Baringo counties, per local media reports published Thursday, October 5. Among the most affected areas in Marsabit county are Dukana, North Horr, Illeret, and Loiyangalani wards, and Tiaty sub-county in Baringo county. Reportedly exacerbating the malaria outbreak is a lack of blood and other medical supplies, government funding, available health workers, and poor regional security.

Context

Notably, the malaria outbreak comes amid a nurses' strike that has paralyzed the country's public health services for the last five months. Kenyan clinical officers agreed to call off their 20-day strike on Thursday and will likely return to work by Monday.

Typically, the highest risk of malaria contraction in Kenya is in the lakes regions, the Rift Valley, and the coast. Symptoms of malaria include fever, chills, headache, nausea, and body aches. Early symptoms usually appear between ten and 15 days after the contaminating mosquito bite. There is no vaccine but preventive medications are available. Pregnant women, HIV-positive persons, children under the age of five, and the elderly are particularly vulnerable.

Advice

To minimize the risk of contracting malaria or the many other mosquito-borne diseases present in Kenya, use insect repellent, wear covering clothing, and sleep under mosquito netting or in an air-conditioned room. If you develop a high fever during or after travel in areas affected by malaria, seek immediate medical attention.