Risk is present throughout the year in the whole country, but very low in Nairobi and the immediate surrounding areas, and low in the highlands (above 2500m) of Central, Eastern, Nyanza, Rift Valley and Western Provinces. Note that there can be a high risk in valleys of the highlands.

Malaria precautions are essential. Avoid mosquito bites by covering up with clothing such as long sleeves and long trousers especially after sunset, using insect repellents on exposed skin and, when necessary, sleeping under a mosquito net.

Atovaquone/proguanil OR doxycycline OR mefloquine is usually recommended for those visiting risk areas. Malaria tablets are not advised for Nairobi and the immediate surrounding areas but awareness, bite prevention and prompt diagnosis and treatment of any feverish illness should be stressed.

If you have been travelling in a malarious area and develop a fever seek medical attention promptly. Remember malaria can develop even up to one year after exposure.

If travelling to high risk malarious areas, remote from medical facilities, carrying emergency malaria standby treatment may be considered.

Precautions: This country has either areas with high altitude (2400m or more) or/and areas with very high altitude (3658m or more). Travellers who may go into areas of high altitude should take care to avoid ill effects of being at altitude including Acute Mountain Sickness, a potentially life-threatening condition. Dengue Fever: A viral illness that is transmitted to humans by mosquito bites. The mosquito that spreads dengue bites during the day and is more common in urban areas. Symptoms include fever, headache, severe joint, bone and muscular pain - hence its other name 'breakbone fever'. There is no vaccine and prevention is through avoidance of mosquito bites. Schistosomiasis: A parasitic infection (also known as bilharzia) that is transmitted to humans through contact with fresh water. The parasite enters humans through the skin and prevention is dependant on avoidance of swimming, bathing or paddling in fresh water lakes and streams.

Recommended Vaccines when travelling to Kenya:

• Combined Diphtheria, Tetanus and polio Vaccination: To be administered two weeks before travel. Offers upto 10 years protection.
• Hepatitis A (Adult) Vaccination: To be administered two weeks before travel. Protection for 1-3 years after 1st dose - upto 25 years after 2nd dose.
• Malaria Tablets: Dose and price varies.

Other Vaccines to be considered when travelling to Kenya:

• Hepatitis B (Adult): To be administered two months before travel. Length of protection unknown.
• Typhoid Vaccination: To be administered two weeks before travel. Protection for upto 3 years.
• Rabies Vaccination: To be administered one month before travel. Protection for upto 2 years.
• Meningitis ACWY Vaccination + Certificate: To be administered 2-3 weeks before travel. Protection for upto 5 years.