Through an alert released on Wednesday, March 16, the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) raised concerns about measles in Kenya and the whole of Africa.
To protect its citizens from the highly infectious illness that spreads through contact or droplets in the air, the US Embassy issued health protocols to be adhered to by its citizens while traveling across Africa.
Prior to traveling, the Embassy further directed its citizens to go for health check up together with their companions to ascertain if they are safe and free from the disease.
“If you are not sure if you or your travel companions are fully protected against measles, schedule an appointment to see your healthcare provider at least one month before traveling so that you have enough time to get vaccinated,” they advised.
US citizens with preexisting medical conditions have been advised to reconsider their travel plans in Kenya and across Africa since they are more vulnerable than other members of society.
“If you don’t think you can safely receive a measles-containing vaccine, talk to your doctor and consider making alternative travel plans,” the Embassy remarked.
In June 2021, Kenya rolled out a 10-day campaign against measles and rubella targeting 4 million children aged nine months to five years.