What is a disease?

A disease is when your body does not work well and you feel sick. Diseases can be caused by tiny living things called germs or by poor environment and accidents.

Types of germs (simple):

Common diseases in Kenya (simple):

• Malaria 🦟 — caused by parasites spread by mosquito bites. Common in many parts of Kenya, especially near lakes and coast.
• Cholera 🚰 — a serious diarrhoea disease from dirty water or food. Can happen when there is no clean water or latrines.
• Measles 🤧🟠 — a viral illness that causes fever and a red rash. Vaccination protects children.
• Common cold / Flu 🤒 — coughs, runny nose and fever. Spreads easily between people.
• Tuberculosis (TB) 🩺 — long-lasting cough and weight loss. Needs treatment from a clinic.
• Diarrhoea (stomach bug) 💧 — loose poo; can cause dehydration, especially in small children.

How diseases spread

Germs can move from one person to another in many ways:

• Air: Coughs and sneezes send tiny droplets (e.g., cold, measles).
• Water/food: Dirty water or food can carry germs (e.g., cholera, stomach bugs).
• Contact: Touching sick people or shared items (e.g., skin infections).
• Vectors: Insects like mosquitoes spread malaria.

Signs you might be sick

Common signs to watch for:

• Fever (hot body)
• Cough or trouble breathing
• Diarrhoea or vomiting
• Rash on the skin
• Feeling weak or tired, headache

How we can prevent diseases (easy steps)

1. Wash hands with soap and water — especially before eating and after using the latrine.
   Steps: Wet → Soap → Rub 20 seconds → Rinse → Dry.
2. Drink safe water: Boil water or use water treatment (like chlorine/WaterGuard) if unsure.
3. Use bed nets: Sleep under an insecticide-treated net to prevent malaria.
4. Vaccinate: Go to the clinic for vaccinations (help prevent measles and other illnesses).
5. Keep latrines and environment clean: Dispose rubbish, use latrines, keep food covered.
6. Cough etiquette: Cover mouth with tissue or elbow when coughing; avoid close contact if sick.
7. Finish medicines: If the clinic gives medicine, take it exactly as told and finish the course.

When to see a health worker right away

• High or long fever (more than 2 days)
• Fast breathing or difficulty breathing
• Very watery diarrhoea and cannot drink (signs of dehydration)
• Bleeding, severe pain, or a very bad wound
• Child is very sleepy, not playing or refusing to eat/drink

Simple first aid at home (while getting help)

• Give plenty of clean fluids (water, ORS for diarrhoea if available).
• Keep the sick person comfortable and warm.
• Do not give medicines from others — always ask a health worker or parent.

Quick classroom activities

• Handwash song: Sing while rubbing hands for 20 seconds.
• Poster: Draw a poster showing how to keep water safe or a mosquito net.
• Role play: Practice how to cough into your elbow and when to tell an adult you feel sick.

Try this short quiz

1. How does malaria spread? (answer below)
2. Name one way to make water safe to drink.
3. What should you do if a friend has a bad cough and fever?

Show answers

1) By mosquito bites. 2) Boil water or use treatment like chlorine. 3) Tell a teacher/parent and suggest they see a health worker; avoid close contact until checked.

Remember: Talk to your parents, teacher or the nearest health facility if you are not sure. Good hygiene, clean water, vaccination and mosquito nets help keep you and your community healthy.