Leishmaniasis in Kenya

At the beginning of 2019 an outbreak of Kala-azar (visceral leishmaniasis) was reported in Kenya in Marsabit and Wajir counties. Since 3 January 2020 there have been 2233 cases of infection reported from eight counties namely: Marsabit, Garissa, Kitui, Baringo, West Pokot, Mandera, Wajir, Tharaka Nithi, and Isiolo: including 10 deaths.

In West Pokot, where the outbreak is still active, 33 new cases were reported in the week ending 19 March 2023.

Leishmaniasis is a parasitic infection transmitted by the bites of sandflies which mainly bite outdoors in the evening/overnight. There are three main forms of leishmaniasis infection which vary in severity. The most serious form is visceral leishmaniasis as it is almost always fatal if untreated. Symptoms include fever, loss of appetite, weight loss and abdominal pain. Treatment is available but can be complex. There is no vaccine against human leishmaniasis.

Advice for Travellers

All travellers to endemic regions should be made aware of leishmaniasis and its transmission.

Travellers should be advised to avoid sandfly bites by:

• minimising outdoor activities between dusk and dawn when sandflies are most active
• covering skin with clothing where possible
• wearing insecticide-treated clothing when outdoor activity is unavoidable
• using insect repellent e.g. DEET on any areas of exposed skin
• spraying accommodation with an insecticide to kill insects
• sleeping under insecticide-impregnated bed nets (fine mesh size is required) or in air-conditioned rooms
• using fans (which disrupt the movement of sandflies) and sleeping elevated from the floor - sandflies are weak fliers

For further information see the TRAVAX Leishmaniasis page and Insect Bite Avoidance page.