Browsing: vaccines in kenya

KENYAN MAP SHOWING OUTBREAKS IN 2020

Kenya remains at constant threat of measles and rubella outbreaks even at a time when the effects of Covid-19 crisis are being felt.   According to Health Chief Administrative Secretary, Dr. Mercy Mwangangi, Kenya has witnessed a series of outbreaks in several counties, among them Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, Westpokot and Tana River, over the last one year.

Caused by viruses, measles and rubella are highly infectious. Measles specifically, is the third most common cause of death among children from vaccine preventable diseases.

“Deaths are mainly due to complications – severe diarrhoea, pneumonia, ear infections (Otitis – media) with sometimes presence of pus from the ears, brain damage and blindness,” said Dr. Mwangangi. Rubella is also very highly infectious and can cause complications to new-borns such as birth defects.  There is no available treatment for measles and rubella, however, disease management with good nutrition and rehydration is purely supportive to prevent complications.…