Kenya Steps Up Malaria Fight as Cases Rise During Rainy Season
As the rainy season continues across many parts of Kenya, health officials are warning residents to remain vigilant against malaria following an increase in reported cases in several malaria-endemic counties.
The combination of heavy rainfall and stagnant water has created favourable breeding grounds for mosquitoes, increasing the risk of transmission. Counties in western Kenya, the Lake Victoria basin, and the coastal region remain among the most affected.
Health workers say the disease continues to place a heavy burden on families, particularly those with young children and pregnant women, who are more likely to develop severe complications if treatment is delayed.
Speaking during a community health outreach programme, Dr. Mercy Wanjiru, a public health physician, said preventing mosquito bites remains the most effective way to reduce infections.
”Malaria is preventable and treatable, but people must seek medical attention as soon as symptoms appear. Delayed treatment can lead to serious complications, especially among children,” she said.
Common symptoms include fever, chills, headache, sweating, vomiting and general body weakness. Because these signs resemble other illnesses, medical experts are encouraging people to get tested instead of buying medicine without a confirmed diagnosis.
Community health volunteers are also educating households on the importance of draining stagnant water, clearing bushes around homes and consistently sleeping under insecticide-treated mosquito nets.
According to John Otieno, a community health volunteer in Kisumu County, public awareness has improved over the years, but some families still fail to use mosquito nets correctly.
”We still find homes where mosquito nets are available but are not being used every night. Consistent use can significantly reduce infections,” he explained.
The Ministry of Health continues to distribute treated mosquito nets and strengthen malaria surveillance in high-risk areas.
Health officials are urging parents to take children with persistent fever to the nearest health facility immediately instead of relying on self-medication.
Experts believe that combining early diagnosis, proper treatment and preventive measures will help reduce the number of malaria infections and save lives, especially during the rainy season.
Family sleeping under an insecticide-treated mosquito net
Caption: Proper use of treated mosquito nets remains one of the most effective ways to prevent malaria.
