The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness reports an increase in children with diarrhoea and dehydration in the Overberg district, particularly in the Hermanus and Grabouw areas.
Every year from November to May, the Western Cape sees a surge in diarrhoea cases, and if left untreated diarrhoea can be fatal for children. This period is known as the paediatric surge season (PSS).
From December 2023 until February a total of 728 children under the age of five were treated for diarrhoea at public health facilities in the Overberg district.
Based on this information, the department encourages people to practice good health hygiene, such as regular washing of hands and sanitising of feeding equipment to safeguard your children from contracting diarrhoea, and to keep your child hydrated if they are showing signs of diarrhoea.
