Mozzwise Briefing

Kenya has variable mosquito activity depending on region and altitude. Peak risk occurs during the long rains from March through May and the short rains from October through December. The Lake Victoria basin, the coastal strip including Mombasa, and the lowland areas carry the highest malaria burden. Nairobi and highland areas above 2,000 meters have much lower risk.

Malaria (P. falciparum and P. vivax) is the primary concern in lowland and lake regions. Dengue fever has emerged in Mombasa and coastal areas. Chikungunya, Zika, West Nile virus, yellow fever, and lymphatic filariasis are also present. The highland-lowland distinction is critical for travelers.

Anopheles gambiae and Anopheles funestus are the dominant malaria vectors in lowland and lakeside areas. Aedes aegypti transmits dengue in coastal urban settings. Travelers to the coast and western Kenya should take antimalarial prophylaxis, while those staying in Nairobi face minimal malaria risk.