During very hot weather as currently experienced, health facilities across the Western Cape see an increase in children who arrive with gastro-related symptoms, according to a media release by the provincial health department.
“Every year from November to May, more young children become ill with diarrhoea and pneumonia. These illnesses are common in young children, but it is important to remember that they can be treated and often prevented. When children receive help early, they usually recover well.
Vulnerable to dehydration
“As we move through the annual paediatric surge season Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital, the province’s specialist children’s facility, has recorded a noticeable rise in these cases,” said Prof Heloise Buys, the hospital’s head of ambulatory and emergency services.
“Gastroenteritis is one of the most common reasons for hospital admissions during this time of year. While many children can be treated at home, young children are especially vulnerable to dehydration, which can become life-threatening if not managed early.”
The World Health Organisation estimates that nearly 1,7 billion cases of childhood diarrhoeal disease occur every year. Good hygiene, safe drinking water and proper sanitation can prevent many of these, Buys said.
The hospital is encouraging parents and caregivers to take extra care during this time. Early recognition of symptoms and timely treatment can prevent severe dehydration and other complications.
Early intervention
Buys stresses the importance of early intervention: “If your child is unable to keep fluids down or shows signs of dehydration, seek medical help immediately. Oral rehydration solutions are the first line of defence and should be given as soon as symptoms appear. A simple sugar-salt solution can be made at home by mixing 1 litre of clean tap water, eight teaspoons of sugar and half a level teaspoon of salt. Stir well and offer it in small amounts, especially after each watery stool or when the child is thirsty. If the water is not taken directly from municipal taps it must be boiled, cooled and then used.”
Keeping stored water safe
Buys also reminds families that water can become contaminated more easily than one may realise. Open containers allow germs, dirt and pests to enter and increase the risk of illness in young children. Open buckets can become contaminated through dirty hands, unwashed utensils dipped into the water, animals, insects or household pests, dust and debris.
Contaminated water can carry diarrhoeal germs such as E.coli, shigella, salmonella and rotavirus, all of which can be especially harmful to babies and young children, she says.
Simple steps to prevent illness
Parents and caregivers can protect their children by following these important steps:
- Wash hands with soap and water regularly, especially before preparing food or drinks and after using the toilet;
- Use only clean, safe water for drinking, cooking, mixing baby formula, washing fruit and vegetables, and brushing teeth.
- Keep oral rehydration solution (recipe above) at home. Immunisations such as the rotavirus vaccine help prevent severe diarrhoeal illness.
Know when to seek help
Diarrhoea can become dangerous very quickly in babies and young children because their bodies are small and they lose fluids faster and are at higher risk of dehydration. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to seek medical attention immediately if their child develops diarrhoea, Buys urges.
“Seek help urgently if your child shows any of the following: persistent vomiting and diarrhoea; signs of dehydration (dry mouth, sunken eyes, fewer wet nappies or less urine); unusual sleepiness, weakness or difficulty waking; refusal to drink or feed; blood in the stool; convulsions together with fever; swollen feet or ankles.
“Breastfeeding remains very important and should continue during illness. Antibiotics are not recommended for viral gastroenteritis. Parents are encouraged to visit their nearest clinic for support.”
