With all the fun that summer brings, the season is also known for its high risk of diarrhoeal disease. The City is calling for vigilance as the dehydration caused by diarrhoea can be fatal, and young children are particularly susceptible.
In 2012/13, 74 fatalities were recorded during the surge season – November to May. Since then, the City has managed to reduce diarrhoea in children under five as well as the number of cases of severe dehydration, which can be fatal.
During the last surge season, there were five fatalities.
‘The so-called stomach bug or gastro is quite common over this time of year, among adults and children. The heat makes food spoil more easily, but warmer temperatures also aid the spread of germs,’ says mayoral committee member for community services and health, Councillor Patricia Van der Ross.
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‘So the key for everyone is good hand hygiene at all times, but also the proper handling and management of food. The risk to children is when dehydration sets in from having gastro. The statistics show that we have made great gains over the past decades, but we cannot afford to let our guard down.’
‘One fatality is one too many, so parents and caregivers have to be incredibly vigilant, and act immediately to prevent complications.’
Alongside standard hand washing, which should be regular and thorough, parents and caregivers can take a few other precautions. Washing hands with soap and water after going to the toilet, changing the child’s nappies, and before preparing feeds and working with food is vital.
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Washing bottles, bowls, spoons and teats before feeding young children is important. Preparing and storing food safely is also necessary.
Symptoms of dehydration:
- Passing little urine
- Dry mouth
- Few tears when crying
- Sunken eyes
- Weakness
Symptoms of severe dehydration:
- Drowsiness
- Pale/mottled skin
- Cold hands or feet
- Dry nappies
- Fast and shallow breathing
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In the event that a child develops diarrhoea, caregivers are advised to:
- Feed them an oral rehydration solution with one teaspoon of salt and eight teaspoons of sugar dissolved in 1 litre of cooled water that has been boiled, or
- Visit their nearest clinic immediately for assistance
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Picture: Liv Bruce / Unsplash
