25 Jun 2024 | 08:58 AM UTC
Kenya: Elevated measles activity reported in multiple areas, especially Garissa county, in June
Elevated measles activity reported in multiple areas in Kenya in June. Garissa county is most affected. Obtain vaccination.
Health officials have reported elevated measles activity in multiple areas in Kenya, with a total of 1,536 cases (199 confirmed cases) reported Jan. 1-June 11. This is compared to the 710 measles cases reported over a similar period in 2023. Disease activity has been reported in 10 of Kenya's 47 counties, with Garissa county (740 cases) being the most affected, followed by Turkana (582 cases), Mombasa (52 cases), Mandera (48 cases), Wajir (36 cases), Kwale (20 cases), Kilifi (18 cases), Samburu (16 cases), Meru (16 cases), and Tana River (8 cases). Kenya's Ministry of Health plans to implement a vaccination campaign in affected areas. This report represents the most complete data available as of June 25.
Visit a doctor to ensure vaccination against measles or immunity through previous infection. Practice basic health precautions. Call your medical provider if symptoms develop within three weeks of being in affected areas.
Measles vaccination coverage in Kenya is estimated at 56 percent for measles-containing vaccine 2 (MCV-2) in 2022, which is lower than the 92-95 percent required to prevent wider community transmission. Of the reported measles cases in the current outbreak, 34 percent were unvaccinated, and 46 percent had unknown vaccination status. Health officials reported 1,206 measles cases nationwide in Kenya in 2023, 1,774 cases in 2022, 266 cases in 2021, and 597 cases in 2020.
Measles is a very contagious viral disease that spreads through respiratory droplets created when an infected individual coughs, sneezes, or speaks. Infected individuals can also expose people around them by contaminating surfaces with secretions from the nose, mouth, and throat. Symptoms typically appear 7-14 days after exposure but can develop up to 21 days after exposure. Symptoms generally include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a red rash that begins on the face and spreads downward. Serious complications - including pneumonia - can occur, especially in children younger than five years old, adults older than 20 years old, and individuals with a weakened immune system.
