With more than 7 500 cases of diarrhoea in children younger than five over November and December, the City Health reminds parents to be on alert.
Summer comes with an increased incidence of diarrhoea, which can lead to serious complications, particularly in young children. And, the heat experienced of late, is further cause for vigilance.
Also read: WHO calls for a pandemic treaty in preparation for hypothetical Disease X
Cape {town} Etc discount: Looking for things to do in the city at half the price? Let these offers inspire you! Get them here.
The City Health has ramped up education and awareness around diarrheal disease over summer. The period between November and May is dubbed Surge Season, as it coincides with an increase in diarrheal disease.
Young children are particularly vulnerable to dehydration associated with diarrhoea. If not treated timeously, it can be fatal.
Data shows that 7 533 cases were recorded of diarrhoea in children younger than five at all health facilities in the metropole in November and December 2023 – up from 5 370 reported cases over the same period the year before. This represents an increase of 40 percent.
‘The statistics serve as a reminder of just how serious we all need to take surge season, especially with the prevailing high temperatures. At the first sign of diarrhoea, start using an oral rehydration solution immediately, and seek medical help.
Handwashing and hygiene are always important, but become even more critical over the warmer months to prevent the spread of germs. And we need to be cognisant, always, of how we handle food, because it can spoil a lot quicker in the heat. Let’s work together and keep surge season top of mind, particularly where our young children are concerned,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia van der Ross.
The risk of diarrhoea can be minimised by regular and thorough handwashing. The City’s Health Department encourages parents and caregivers to follow the World Health Organisation’s keys to safer food, namely:
- Keep hands, surfaces and utensils used for food preparation including baby bottles and teats, clean.
- Wash hands thoroughly after using the toilet and after changing the child’s nappies.
- Wash hands often while cooking and preparing baby feeds as well as before eating and feeding young children.
- Separate raw and cooked: Store raw and cooked food in separate containers and use separate utensils and equipment for raw and cooked food.
- Cook all foods thoroughly and reheat to piping hot before serving.
- Keep food at safe temperatures: Store and thaw foods in the fridge.
- Use safe water and raw materials: Use safe water, fresh fruit, vegetables and pasteurised milk. Store water in a container that has a tap. If not available, use a clean bucket with a lid.
If 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 the nearest clinic immediately for assistance
Symptoms of dehydration include passing little urine, dry mouth, few tears when crying, sunken eyes and weakness.
Symptoms of severe dehydration are drowsiness, pale/mottled skin, cold hands or feet, dry nappies, and fast and shallow breathing.
During surge season, preventative measures are key to minimise the risk of children contracting diarrhoea and serious secondary infections.
Explore Cape Town and its surroundings with these incredible deals on cars for under R100 000. Find car listings here.
Also read:
Back-to-school essentials: B-well launches free nutrient-packed cookbook
Picture: CDC / Unsplash
Instagram Picture: Anna Shvets / Pexels