KARIBU KENYA - UNON - the United Nations Office at Nairobi

exceptions of Lake Naivasha, Mount Kenya and the Aberdares.The anopheles
mosquitoes that carry malaria are common at the coast, in Baringo and in
most of the national parks.These mosquitoes bite mainly at dusk and during
the night, so the most important guards against malaria are to spray yourself
with a good repellent (preferably one containing DEET), to wear trousers,
socks and long-sleeved shirts, and to sleep under a treated mosquito net.
Malaria generally causes symptoms such as headaches, aching limbs, fever
and chills 10 days to two weeks after being infected (although these timelimits
are not set in stone). If you have travelled to a malarial area and you
subsequently get a fever, you should consult a doctor immediately – even if you
have been taking a prophylaxis.
With the rising resistance of some malaria strains to traditional antimalarial
drugs, you will invariably encounter conflicting opinions about malaria
prophylaxis.The UN Medical Service recommends the traditional combination
of chloroquine and paludrine together with the newer mefloquin
(Lariam), although there remain many more options available.What is important
is to find a balance between effective medicines and potential negative
side-effects. The UN Medical Service will be very happy to advise staff on
what prophylaxis might best suit them and their dependents. Updated information
on malaria and antimalarial drugs is also available on the WHO
website at www.who.int.
Dog Bites
Although there has been little rabies in Nairobi, the disease is endemic in
Kenya. If you are bitten by a dog or another animal that could be infected
(such as cats and monkeys), it is important to immediately scrub the wound
with soap, apply an antiseptic, and consult your doctor. If it is possible to
impound the animal, it will also help in determining their rabies status. Even
if you have been vaccinated against rabies, you will still require a short course
of anti-rabies inoculations. Dog owners are strongly advised to keep their
annual rabies vaccinations up to date.
HIV/AIDS
The prevalence of HIV/AIDS has grown rapidly in Kenya in recent years,
with Nairobi as one of the principal ‘hotspots’ of infection. Comprehensive
information on the risks of contracting the virus and means of protecting
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