KNYSNA NEWS - Summer is in full swing and with it comes the heightened risk of contracting germs that cause diarrhoea.
Children, especially those under five years old, are most at risk of contracting diarrhoea.
More than 130 children have been admitted to hospitals in the Eden District for treatment thereof since the start of what is referred to as the paediatric surge season (PSS) in November 2017, confirmed the Western Cape health department's regional spokesperson Nadia Ferreira. PSS runs until May.
Ferreira confirmed, "We have seen a slight increase in the number of cases in Eden and Knysna compared to last year."
Making sure your family wash their hands between activities is the most effective way to prevent it.
How to prevent diarrhoea
Hand washing as a regular hygiene routine can play a significant role in the prevention of disease, since 80% of germs are spread from our hands.
Even if your home does not have running water or if you have water restrictions, keep a plastic cool drink bottle filled with water handy so that you can rinse your hands with clean water after washing them.
- Wash toys, feeding bottles and dummies in hot, soapy water and rinse well.
- Teething toys must be kept separately and rinsed regularly.
- Don’t let rubbish lie around or allow children to play in puddles – dirty water spreads disease.
- Clean up animal waste immediately.
Diarrhoea signs to look out for
If your child has a fever, is vomiting, has a loose stool or blood in their stools, and refuses to eat or drink, they’re probably suffering from diarrhoea.
Dehydration caused by diarrhoea is one of the highest causes of death in early childhood.
Check your child for these signs of dehydration:
- Dry or sticky mouth
- Few or no tears when crying
- Lack of urine, or only a very small amount of dark yellow urine
- Dry, cool skin
- Tiredness and irritability
- Dizziness
- Headache and stomach ache
- Thirstiness
To rehydrate, mix eight teaspoons sugar and half-a-teaspoon salt in 1 litre of cooled, boiled water, and get your child to take regular sips.
If their condition doesn’t improve, take them to your nearest clinic. Don’t wait in the queue – go straight to the receptionist for immediate attention.
For more information contact your nearest healthcare facility.
'We bring you the latest Knysna, Garden Route news'
