Yellow fever in Kenya, the symptoms and how to protect oneself – Kenyan Business Feed

Two days ago, Kenya recorded cases of yellow fever in Isiolo County; three people have reportedly succumbed.

The Ministry of Health indicated that there are fifteen more people showing symptoms of the disease but are yet to be tested and diagnosed.

High risk counties include: Wajir, Garissa, Marsabit, Meru, Samburu, Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot and Turkana.

The ministry also advised that a ‘single dose of vaccine is effective to confer sustained immunity and lifelong protection against the disease’.

“The ministry will also deploy a rapid response team to Isiolo and neighboring counties to establish the magnitude and extent of the outbreak, determine at-risk populations, conduct a risk assessment, initiate risk communication and community engagement activities, and to implement integrated vector control measures”

Health Director General Patrick Amoth

The first recorded outbreak of yellow fever in Kenya occurred from mid-1992 through March 1993 in the south Kerio Valley, Rift Valley Province.  

Yellow fever infection is diagnosed based on laboratory testing, a person’s symptoms, and travel history. 

Here are some symptoms to looks out for:

1. Fever,
2. headache,
3. jaundice,
4. muscle pain,
5. nausea,
6. vomiting and
7. fatigue.

A small proportion of patients who contract the virus develop severe symptoms and approximately half of those die within 7 to 10 days.

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