What You Need To Know About Healthcare In Kenya

Malaria can be a deadly disease. Two different types of malaria occur in Africa; Malaria Tropica and Malaria Vitax. Malaria is transmitted by the mosquito that has the malaria parasite living in its sting. When bitten, this parasite enters your body and attaches itself in your liver (Malaria Vitax) or in your bloodstream (Malaria Tropica). After a few days, weeks, or even months, the parasite, now multiplied, bursts open, spreading rapidly through your body.

The patient feels sick, flu-like and has a fever. If left untreated, you can die in a few days. There are malaria tests that can tell you in minutes whether you are carrying this nasty parasite. Coartem will then be prescribed, making it very likely that the disease will be over in a few days.

Preventing malaria is crucial. Seek information (without getting scared) at tropical medicine clinics in the Netherlands. People living in tropical regions typically have more knowledge about the medical risks in their area than those in the Netherlands.

Quite a few myths circulate about malaria. The most persistent of which is that if you take preventive Malaria medication and unexpectedly contract Malaria (which is possible), the disease is difficult or impossible to treat. This is untrue! Malaria is just as treatable whether you took  Malarone Prophylaxis or not. Also, drinking quinine (tonic) is not an effective means of keeping malaria mosquitoes at bay.

If you are pregnant, it is better not to travel to areas with malaria, as any infection will increase the chances of a lower birth weight or premature birth. Children weighing more than 5 kilograms can take Malarone prophylaxis (preventive malaria medication). Further, wear protective clothes after sunset, apply insect repellent containing DEET, and sleep under a mosquito net. Spray your room with insecticide a few hours before you go to sleep.

Here in Kenya, despite the Dutch predominantly red-coloured maps you see at travel clinics, there are large areas that are malaria-free. From Mombasa to Tanzania, malaria is common. So swallowing Malarone prophylaxis is recommended here. In western Kenya, especially in Kisumu and around Lake Victoria, there is also a higher risk of malaria. Malarone Prophylaxis is highly recommended here! Above 1,500 metres, malaria is almost non-existent. So in Nairobi, Naivasha, Nakuru and Aberdares are relatively safe from these mosquitoes and the disease.