Malaria remains one of the most common reasons Kenyans visit a clinic — and one of the most preventable. The basics haven't changed, but doing them consistently is what makes the difference.
Sleep under a treated net
Insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) are still the single most effective everyday protection. Anopheles mosquitoes bite mostly between dusk and dawn, exactly when a net protects you. Replace a net once it's torn or after about three years of use, and tuck it under the mattress rather than letting it hang loose.
Use repellent in the evenings
A repellent containing DEET, icaridin or lemon-eucalyptus oil on exposed skin adds a second layer during the high-risk evening hours — especially on a veranda, at outdoor events, or when travelling upcountry or to the coast.
Travelling to a high-risk area?
Nairobi itself is relatively low-risk thanks to altitude, but the lake region and the coast are not. If you're travelling, ask a pharmacist about prophylaxis before you go — most regimens need to start ahead of travel.
Fever? Test, don't guess
Treating a fever as "probably malaria" without a test wastes money and delays the right treatment. A rapid diagnostic test takes 15 minutes. If it's positive, complete the full course of the prescribed antimalarial even when you feel better after two days.
This article is general information, not a diagnosis. Talk to our pharmacists or your doctor about your specific situation.
