CITY OF CAPE TOWN 22 JANUARY 2015 MEDIA RELEASE City urges extreme caution ahead of diarrhoea season peak City Health appeals to parents to be extremely cautious in the next few months, during the annual diarrhoea season peak period. The warmer months generally result in an increase in the number of diarrhoea cases, especially in children younger than five, with a spike between February and April as a result of increased temperatures. Read more below: The City of Cape Town’s Health Directorate has a number of interventions in place to mitigate against the occurrence of diarrhoeal disease, but our effectiveness is heavily reliant on the ability of parents and caregivers to recognise the warning signs and act immediately by taking their children to a health facility. Thus far this season, the number of cases reported is more or less on par with the previous season. Cases are categorised as follows: with no dehydration, and with dehydration. Cases presenting with dehydration are further classified as moderate or severe – with the latter being the most dangerous category, frequently resulting in hospitalisation. Fortunately, there has been a drop in the number of diarrhoea cases presenting with dehydration. ‘We have seen a reduction in the number of cases with dehydration and a decrease in fatalities in recent years; however, this still remains a concern. I want to appeal to parents and caregivers to work with us so that we can identify cases early and treat them effectively. Our clinics are set up to fast-track cases of diarrhoeal disease and that really is key – early detection and prompt treatment,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Health, Councillor Benedicta Van Minnen. Since 2009, there has been a decrease in the number of cases of diarrhoea with dehydration, from 4 161 in 2010/11 to 3 447 cases in 2012/13. The number of fatalities in children under the age of five has decreased from 170 deaths in 2009/10 to 74 in 2012/13. During the 2013/14 season, primary health care facilities recorded nearly 30 000 cases of diarrhoea in children under five years of age. Of those, approximately 1 659 children had moderate dehydration and 640 cases presented with severe dehydration, many of whom had to be referred to emergency centres and required admission to hospital. By the end of May, 56 fatalities had been recorded. While diarrhoea is a common ailment, it is important to watch for signs of the dehydration that might develop, especially in young children, as it can be fatal unless promptly corrected. Symptoms of dehydration in children include: passing little urine, a dry mouth, a dry tongue and lips, fewer tears when crying, sunken eyes, weakness, and being irritable or lethargic. Symptoms of severe dehydration in children include: drowsiness, pale or mottled skin, cold hands or feet, very few wet nappies and fast, shallow breathing. The City and its partners have devised an all-encompassing plan in recent years to continue reducing the number of people affected by diarrhoea – in particular young children. This includes: · Providing Vitamin A supplements to children every six months to prevent diarrhoea · Giving zinc supplements to children with diarrhoea to reduce the frequency and duration of diarrhoea · Training clinic staff, particularly in emergency rehydration · Having well-functioning oral rehydration solution corners in our clinics · Fast-tracking diarrhoea cases to ensure timeous treatment · Running all-day awareness, education and hand-washing programmes for the clients attending clinics · Improving coverage of the Rotavirus vaccine · Taking public awareness and hand-washing campaigns door-to-door in hot-spot areas · Training community workers, Early Childhood Development staff, and informal food vendors about health and hygiene matters · Educating traditional healers about the symptoms and dangers of diarrhoea and the administration of the oral rehydration solution mixture (water, sugar and salt) · Providing General Practitioners with a standard information package containing the local arrangements to fast-track referrals during diarrhoea season · Encouraging exclusive breastfeeding, which is one of the most important measures to prevent diarrhoea in young children · Ensuring that hospitals are on high alert and have a plan should there be an increase in the number of cases requiring admission ‘The City is committed to doing everything possible to further reduce the number of children who contract diarrhoea, as well as the number of fatalities. We need to ensure the highest standards of care at all times at our facilities, but also continue with awareness and education outreach programmes in our communities so that they too are able to recognise when it is appropriate to seek help. Ultimately we are reliant on the public coming to our facilities for assistance, so it is crucial that they know the signs and symptoms that require intervention. To date, there have been four fatalities since November – those are four fatalities too many. We need everyone’s help if we are to save children’s lives,’ added Councillor Van Minnen. End Note to broadcasters: audio clips are available for download. For English: https://soundcloud/ct-media/220115_vminnen_diarrhoea For Afrikaans: https://soundcloud/ct-media/220115_afr_vminnen_diarrhoea Issued by: Integrated Strategic Communication, Branding and Marketing Department, City of Cape Town Media enquiries: Councillor Benedicta Van Minnen, Mayoral Committee Member for Health, City of Cape Town, Tel: 021 400 1307 or Cell: 084 441 9000, E-mail: [email protected] (please always copy [email protected])
Posted on: Tue, 27 Jan 2015 09:06:33 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015