Yellow fever outbreak in Kenya (Isiolo County)

The Kenyan government has declared an outbreak of yellow fever in Isiolo County, to the north of Nairobi. Since 12 January 2022, there have been 15 cases in the area, including three deaths.

A public health alert has been raised in all 47 counties of Kenya, particularly in the high-risk counties of Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, Garissa, Marsabit, Meru, Samburu, Turkana, Wajir and West Pokot.

Yellow fever is endemic in Kenya, although outbreaks are uncommon.

Advice for travellers

Yellow fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic disease which is transmitted through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito, and is found in tropical areas of Africa, and Central and South America. All travellers to these areas are advised to practice mosquito bite avoidance at all times.

A traveller's risk of yellow fever is determined by their individual risk assessment. Factors that will influence their risk includes: 

• country or countries to be visited 
• length of stay
• rate of transmission at destination
• immunisation status
• planned activities

Unvaccinated travellers that visit yellow fever endemic areas are at risk of becoming infected, so yellow fever vaccine is recommended, unless contraindicated, for travellers at risk.

Further advice and information on yellow fever is available on the TRAVAX (for health professionals) and fitfortravel (for the general public) websites.

Source: TRAVAX, 8 March 2022