Cape Town sees decline in diarrhoea cases

There has been a decline in the number of diarrhoea cases, year-on-year, in children under the age of five, in the Cape metro.

Annually, there is an upsurge in diarrhoeal disease cases during the warmer months, and young children in particular, are susceptible to serious illness.

PICTURE: Pixabay

According to the City of Cape Town, there has been a steady, and marked decline in diarrhoea cases in young children over the past five years.

Children under 5 with diarrhoea without dehydration, saw 3 650 cases less between November 2022 and January 2023. Between November 2021 and January 2022, that number stood at 6 263.

Children under 5 with diarrhoea with dehydration, in the same period saw 133 cases, with the latest recording period only saw 70 cases.

Mayco member for Community Services and Health, Patricia van der Ross, sais the decline is due to the continued drop to the hand hygiene habits that were cultivated during the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as the home management of children with signs and symptoms.

‘’The health sector has worked hard over the past decade to increase education and awareness around the signs and symptoms of diarrhoea and dehydration in young children, as well as the management thereof. I think it is safe to say that the decline in caseload bears testament to those efforts. And, while the Covid-19 pandemic was one of the biggest global health crises in our time, the hand hygiene and sanitising that became part and parcel of our pandemic management plan has also had other positive impacts. I want to commend our healthcare workers for their efforts in getting us to where we are today, as well as caregivers and the public at large. However, vigilance is key and we must persevere, not only in the interest of our children's health, but society's at large,'’ said van der Ross.

Apart from regular and thorough handwashing, parents and caregivers are advised to wash bottles, bowls, spoons and teats before feeding young children.

Unclean hands can spread viruses that cause diarrhoea. During hot summer days, food is easily spoilt. If eaten, this can also cause diarrhoea, which can lead to dehydration. It is important to prepare and store food safely and to wash hands with soap and water after going to the toilet, changing the child's nappies, before preparing feeds and working with food.

‘’Hand hygiene and food safety management practices are critical to reducing the risk of gastro-intestinal complaints in general, and not just children. The recent cholera outbreak in Gauteng is yet another reminder of how quickly diseases can take hold. I encourage the public to take these matters seriously, and to be hygiene-conscious at all times,'’ added Van der Ross.

 

Done By: Mitchum George