Most of the Common Diseases in Kenya and Prevention Methods.

One of the best investments that a person can make is health. Various diseases are still a significant concern to the people of Kenya both in rural and urban areas. Being aware of the most common diseases in Kenya and their prevention methods can make you take care of yourself and your family and spend less on unnecessary treatment options.

As a student, parent or a traveler, this guide will cover the most common diseases in Kenya and effective methods of staying safe.

Malaria in Kenya

Malaria has become one of the main causes of ilness in Kenya, particularly in areas where there are high populations of mosquitoes like the coast and the Lake Victoria basin.

The mode of transmission: By bite of infected Anopheles mosquitoes of a female.
Symptoms: Chills, fatigue, headache, muscle pain and fever.
Prevention:

• Resting in insecticide-treated mosquito nets.
• Use mosquito repellents.
• Consider prescribed malaria prophylaxis when visiting at risk areas.
• Proper drainage around the homes should be ensured to minimize places of breeding.

HIV/AIDS in Kenya

Kenya has gone a long way to curb HIV/AIDS infections but it is still among the most common chronic diseases in Kenya.

Method of transmission: Unprotected sexual intercourse, needle sharing, mother-to-child.
Prevention:

• Use condoms as a way of having safe sex.
• Get frequent HIV screening and counseling.
• Avoid sharing sharp objects.
• Join prevention measures such as Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) in case of high risk.

Tuberculosis (TB)

Tuberculosis is a disease that has been affecting thousands of Kenyans annually particularly those who have weak immunity.

Transmission: It is transmitted through air by sneezing or coughing.
Symptoms: chronic cough, chest pain, fever and weight loss.
Prevention:

• Premature testing and treatment of TB.
• Proper living room ventilation.
• BCG vaccination at birth.
• Immunity can be strengthened by eating the right food.

Pneumonia and Flu (Respiratory Infections).

Among the most common causes of the child mortality in Kenya are acute respiratory infections.

Symptoms: Cough, difficulty in breathing, fever, sore throat.
Prevention:

• Get immunized against pneumonia and influenza.
• Keep hygiene high like frequent washing of hands.
• Warm the children in cold seasons.

Diarrhoea Diseases

Poor sanitation and unclean drinking water predisposes people to diseases like cholera and typhoid.

Ways of transmission: Infected water and foodstuff.
Prevention:

• Only drink clean, treated or boiled water.
• Wash hands prior to eating and after using toilet.
• Observe proper food hygiene.
• Typhoid: receive immunization against typhoid and cholera in case of visiting the high-risk zones.

Kenya Bad Lifestyle Diseases (Non-Communicable Diseases).

The urbanization, poor diet and inactivity have increased diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity and cancer in Kenya.

Prevention:

• Consume a balanced diet, which includes a lot of fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
• Lessen the consumption of processed food and high sugar beverages.
• Get at least 30 minutes of exercise a day.
• See the doctor on a regular basis.

COVID-19 and Emerging Diseases

Although COVID-19 cases are limited, it demonstrated the significance of the disease prevention in Kenya. There are other emerging viral diseases like the Ebola and Rift Valley Fever that need to be sensitized and prevented.

Prevention:

• Be hygienic and wash your hands.
• Vaccinate where it is necessary.
• Do follow up with health alerts of the Ministry of Health Kenya.

Simple lifestyle changes, vaccination and appropriate healthcare practices can help in prevention of the most common diseases in Kenya. Through preventive measures such as using safe drinking water, frequent medical exams, vaccinations, mosquitoes and eating healthy foods, you can significantly lower your chances of becoming ill.

Today, by spending on your health you save on money, time and secure a longer productive life.