Leishmaniasis in Kenya
18 Apr 2019
The World Health Organisation (WHO)
reported a total of 171 cases of Leishmaniasis so far this year (2019). Marsabit has reported 136 cases with 53 positives and Wajir county has reported 35 cases.
Advice for Travellers
There is no vaccine against human leishmaniasis.
Travellers to rural and/or forested/jungle areas of regions where the infection is present will be most at risk.
Travellers should be advised to avoid Sandfly bites by:
- Avoiding outdoor activities after dusk where possible.
- Covering skin with clothing where possible.
- Consider permethrin impregnation of clothing when outdoor activity is unavoidable.
- Using insect repellent e.g. DEET on exposed skin.
- Sleeping under insecticide-impregnated bednets (fine mesh size is required) or in air-conditioned rooms.
- Using fans/ventilators which disrupt the movement of sandflies and sleeping elevated from the floor; sandflies are weak fliers.
For more information see Leishmaniasis.