Yellow fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic disease caused by the yellow fever virus (YFV). It is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes, primarily the Aedes aegypti mosquito. The virus is found in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and South America, where it is a major public health concern.
In Kenya, yellow fever outbreaks have been reported since the early 20th century, with the most recent outbreak occurring in 2018. The disease has a significant impact on public health and economic development in the country, leading the government and various international organizations to take preventative measures to control its spread.
Symptoms of yellow fever typically appear 3-6 days after infection and can range from mild to severe. In mild cases, symptoms may include fever, headache, muscle pain, and loss of appetite. In severe cases, the disease can progress to jaundice, internal bleeding, organ failure, and death.
The best way to prevent yellow fever is through vaccination. The yellow fever vaccine is highly effective and provides long-lasting immunity against the disease. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that all people traveling to areas at risk of yellow fever transmission be vaccinated at least 10 days prior to travel.
![however, people enter a second, toxic phase of the disease with recurring fever, this time accompanied by jaundice due to liver damage, as well as abdominal pain.[14] Bleeding in the mouth, the eyes, and the gastrointestinal tract cause vomit containing blood, hence the Spanish name for yellow fever, vómito negro ("black vomit").[15] There may also be kidney failure, hiccups, and delirium](http://www.kenyapharmtech.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Aedes_aegypti_.-Yellow-fever-in-Kenya-Vector.jpg)
Yellow Fever Treatment
There is no medicine to treat or cure infection from yellow fever.
Rest, drink fluids, and use pain relievers and medication to reduce fever and relieve aching.
Avoid certain medications, such as aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, for example, ibuprofen, or naproxen, which may increase the risk of bleeding.
People with severe symptoms of yellow fever infection should be hospitalized for close observation and supportive care.
Yellow Fever Vaccine in Kenya
Yellow fever vaccination is required for travelers to certain countries and is recommended for all travelers to countries or areas with risk of yellow fever transmission
The vaccine is a live, weakened form of the virus given as a single shot.
Stamaril® manufactured by Sanofi Pasteur is one of the available Yellow fever vaccines in Kenya
Yellow Fever Certificate In Kenya
A Yellow Fever certificate is valid 10 days after vaccination.
A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is only required for travelers 1 year of age and older coming from – or who are in airport transit for more than 12 hours within – a country with a risk of Yellow Fever transmission.
Countries with a risk of Yellow Fever transmission
AFRICA – Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Sudan, Togo, Uganda.
AMERICAS – Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela.
Places Where you Can get Yellow fever Jab (Vaccine) in Kenya
Persons leaving for a yellow fever Kenya-infected area are advised in their own interest to get themselves vaccinated and to be in possession of valid yellow fever vaccination certificates before they leave the country. The yellow fever vaccination needs to be given at least ten days before arriving in a yellow-fever-endemic area and must be administered at an approved yellow fever vaccination center.
Required information
- Name of the applicant
- Gender
- Age
- Address
- Nationality
- Vaccination received
- Date of vaccination
Where To Get Vaccinated in Kenya
The vaccines are commercially available at a cost between Ksh:1500 – Ksh: 3500 in Nairobi City Council’s public health department, ports of entry, public health units, and selected clinics in Nairobi and Kisumu Municipal Council’s public health department.
- Ministry of Health
Afya House, Cathedral Rd, Nairobi City, Kenya
P.O. Box 30016–00100,
Nairobi, Kenya.
Telephone: +254-20-2717077
Email: ps@health.go.ke
Shivachi Road, Parklands
P.O. Box 14497-00800
Nairobi, Kenya
Tel: +254 20 429 1000 +254 72 220 4427
Langata Rd, Karen
P.O. Box: 74240-00200
Nairobi, Kenya
Tel: +254 20 661 300
Fax: +254 20 661 3222
- Mater Hospital
Dunga Rd, South B, Industrial Area, Nairobi
P.O. Box: 30325-00100 Nairobi GPO
Tel: +254 20 6903000
Fax: +254 20 6534289
Mobile: +254 71 907 3000 +254 73 216 3000
- Nairobi Women’s Hospital, Hurlingham
Hurlingham Medical Plaza
Argwings Kodhek Road
Nairobi 00202, Kenya
Mobile: +254 73 361 8353 +254 72 824 9825
- Aga Khan Hospital, 3rd Parklands Ave, Nairobi
P.O. Box: 30270-00100 Nairobi GPO
Tel: +254 20 366 2000
Mobile: +254 71 109 2000
- Nairobi Hospital, Main Hospital Branch
Argwings Kodhek Rd, Nairobi
P.O. Box: 30026-00100 Nairobi GPO
Tel: +254 20 284 5000
Fax: +254 20 272 8003
Mobile: +254 72 22000
Measures To Control The Spread Of Yellow Fever In Kenya
In Kenya, the government has implemented several measures to control the spread of yellow fever. These measures include:
- Yellow fever vaccination campaigns: The Kenyan government, in collaboration with international organizations, conducts regular yellow fever vaccination campaigns in areas at high risk of transmission. The campaigns target both children and adults, with a goal of reaching at least 80% of the population.
- Vector control: Vector control measures, such as the use of insecticide-treated bed nets and indoor residual sprays, are used to reduce the mosquito population and prevent transmission of the virus.
- Health education: The government and various organizations run health education campaigns to raise awareness about yellow fever and how to prevent its spread. This includes information on the importance of vaccination, avoiding mosquito bites, and seeking medical attention if symptoms occur.
- Surveillance and response: The government has established a surveillance and response system to quickly detect and respond to outbreaks of yellow fever. This includes regular monitoring of suspected cases and rapid investigation and response to confirmed cases.
Despite these efforts, yellow fever remains a significant public health threat in Kenya. The country is considered to be at high risk of yellow fever transmission, with a large population living in areas where the disease is endemic. To effectively control and prevent the spread of yellow fever, continued efforts must be made to increase vaccination coverage, improve vector control measures, and increase health education and awareness.
In conclusion, yellow fever is a serious disease that poses a significant threat to public health and economic development in Kenya. Through a combination of vaccination, vector control, health education, and surveillance and response efforts, the country is working to control and prevent the spread of the disease. It is important for individuals to take personal responsibility for their health by getting vaccinated and taking steps to prevent mosquito bites. With continued efforts, Kenya can work towards a future free from yellow fever.
See also
Citations for Yellow Fever Kenya
- Henderson, B. E., et al. “Investigations into yellow fever virus and other arboviruses in the northern regions of Kenya.” Bulletin of the World Health Organization 42.5 (1970): 787.
- Sanders, E. J., et al. “Sentinel surveillance for yellow fever in Kenya, 1993 to 1995.” Emerging infectious diseases 2.3 (1996): 236.
- Sanders, EDUARD J., et al. “First recorded outbreak of yellow fever in Kenya, 1992-1993. I. Epidemiologic investigations.” The American journal of tropical medicine and hygiene 59.4 (1998): 644-649.
- Christophers, Samuel Rickard. Aedes aegypti: The yellow fever mosquito. CUP Archive, 1960.
- CDC Kenya
- WHO: Yellow fever in Kenya
- Ministry of Health Kenya
WHERE DO WE GET THE YELLOW FEVER VACCINE IN MOMBASA SOUTH COAST ?