More than 50 people were reported to have contracted visceral Leishmaniasis (also known as kala-azar), in the Wajir district of north-eastern Kenya last month. The symptoms of the disease include fever, enlarged liver and spleen, anaemia, weakness and reduction in the number of white blood cells. Skin lesions may also occur. Leishmaniasis is transmitted through the bite from an infected sand fly. Although the risk is not high there is no vaccine and travellers are advised to take steps to avoid bites by covering up and applying insect repellent to exposed areas of skin. In addition, cotton clothing can be impregnated with DEET or permethrin and it is advisable to sleep under a permethrin-impregnated bednet.

• To obtain a health brief tailored to your journey call the MASTA Travellers Health Line on 0906 8 224 100 (calls charged at 60p/min). For general travel health advice visit the website at www.masta.org