Main health risks for Kenya

Diseases transmitted by insects or animals

Malaria is endemic only on the shores of Lake Victoria (all-year-long transmission). Elsewhere, the transmission occurs only during the rain season, on the coasts and in areas below 1500 m of altitude. Strains present in the country are highly resistant to chloroquine (zone 3).

Yellow fever is endemic in the country.

From 30 November 2006 to 12 March 2007, a total of 684 cases (including 155 deaths) of Rift Valley Fever were reported in Kenya, mainly in North-East provinces and on the coast. This cattle disease is transmitted through direct contact with an infected animal's blood or milk or, more rarely, through a mosquito bite.

Plague has been identified in the country, but the risk for travelers remains small.

There are cases of animal rabies in the country, but they remain very rare in urban areas.

Diseases transmitted by food, water or through the environment

Diarrheal diseases are frequent in the country among travelers who do not take precautions.

From January to early July 2010, 3,188 cholera cases were reported countrywide (63 deaths). As of September 3, 2010, 146 new cases were reported in the southern Nyanza Province. In 2009, 781 cases were confirmed throughout Kenya (274 deaths). In order to minimize risks, it is recommended to wash hands thoroughly before meals and to use uncontaminated water.

In 2009, 18 cases of polio were reported countrywide, none in 2010. In 2011, health authorities identified one case nationwide. Poliomyelitis is an infectious disease transmitted via the oro-fecal route. It may cause paralysis. An efficient vaccine exits against this disease.

Diseases transmitted by contact with infected people

Marburg fever is present in the western part of the country. This viral hemorrhagic fever is transmitted by close person-to-person contact. Be aware that caves and mines shelter bats, which are a reservoir for the Marburg virus.

HIV is highly prevalent; according to UNAIDS, 8% of the adult population (15-49) is HIV-positive. HIV is regularly associated with an increase in the number of tuberculosis cases. In Kenya, it is estimated that 1.8 millions of people are living with HIV. HIV/AIDS is the highest cause of mortality in the country.