What dengue is and how it spreads
Dengue is a viral infection spread through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes. These mosquitoes often bite during the daytime, especially in the early morning and late afternoon. Dengue does not usually spread directly from person to person.
How to reduce mosquito bites
Use mosquito repellents according to the product label, and wear long sleeves and long trousers when possible. Use screens on windows and doors, and sleep under mosquito nets if your home is not well screened. Extra caution is important for infants, older adults, pregnant people, and anyone who is unwell.
How to reduce mosquito breeding around the home
Aedes mosquitoes breed in clean or stagnant water collected in containers around homes and workplaces. Empty, scrub, cover, or throw away items that hold water, such as buckets, drums, flower pots, tyres, and roof gutters. Community clean-up and regular inspection of water storage containers can help lower mosquito numbers.
Recognizing symptoms and when to seek care
Common dengue symptoms can include fever, headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, nausea, vomiting, rash, or unusual tiredness. Warning signs that need urgent medical attention can include severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding, difficulty breathing, extreme weakness, or confusion. If someone may have dengue, they should seek prompt assessment from a qualified clinician, especially if symptoms worsen.
Kenya-specific public health context
Dengue outbreaks have been reported in parts of Kenya, especially some coastal areas, but risk can change over time and by county. Local surveillance, outbreak alerts, and vector control measures are managed by Kenyan health authorities. People should follow current county and national public health advice because local conditions and response measures may differ.