KEEP YOUR CHILD HYDRATED IF THEY HAVE DIARRHOEA

The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness has noticed an increase in children with diarrhoea and dehydration in the Overberg District, particularly in the Hermanus and Grabouw area.

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 2024 a total of 728 children under the age of 5 were treated for diarrhoea at public health facilities in the Overberg District. Based on this information, the department is encouraging people to practice good health hygiene, such as regular handwashing 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.

Causes and prevention
Diarrhoea can last several days and can leave the body without the water and salts that are necessary for survival. Diarrhoea is usually a symptom of an infection in the intestinal tract, which can be caused by a variety of bacterial, viral and parasitic organisms. Infection is spread through contaminated food or drinking-water, or from person-to-person as a result of poor hygiene.

There are steps we can take to protect children such as regular handwashing, where possible. Unclean hands can increase the spread of viruses. Teach your children to clean their hands after using the toilet and before and after meals. It is also important to keep your child’s feeding bottles and cups, bowls, and teats clean by sterilising them before feeding your child.

Due to warmer weather, food can easily become spoilt. This can also lead to diarrhoea and later dehydration. It is important that we try to keep our hands, food, cooking utensils and toilets clean.

Dustbins must be closed, animal faeces collected and thrown away, and food scrapings, used nappies and sanitary towels put into a plastic bag, knotted securely and thrown into a dustbin.  Remember to wash your hands after completing these tasks.

The World Health Organisation also recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life. Advantages include a lower risk of gastrointestinal infection for the baby and helping to build the immunity of the child.

You should also ensure that your child gets the rotavirus vaccination, which is considered effective in preventing severe diarrhoea, and ensure that your child’s immunisation schedule is updated.

Signs that your child needs help
Diarrhoea can increase the risk of your child becoming dehydrated. This is due to water and electrolytes (sodium, chloride, potassium and bicarbonate) being lost with liquid stools, vomit, sweat, urine and breathing. Dehydration occurs when these losses are not replaced.

If your child gets diarrhoea, check them for these signs of dehydration:

• Dry or sticky mouth;
• Does not want to accept milk feeds (breastmilk or infant formula) or eat;
• 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; and
• Thirstiness.

If your child shows any symptoms of dehydration or you are not sure, seek help at your nearest clinic or hospital (if after hours). Do not wait in line, go directly to the healthcare worker or reception desk and let them know your child has diarrhoea and possible dehydration.

Prepare an oral rehydration solution to replace the lost bodily fluids by following these steps:
Using a clean 1 L bottle. Mix 1 L boiled and cooled water with ½ level teaspoon of salt and 8 level teaspoons of sugar. Mix well. Take the solution with you should you need to take your child to the clinic so that your child does not dehydrate on the way. Offer your child sips between and after every loose stool.  Do not stop offering food or milk feeds.

It is also important to recognise the signs that your child requires immediate medical care. These signs include:

• Rapid breathing. It is a symptom of pneumonia and diarrhoea;
• Chest retraction;
• If your child does not drink and/or vomits everything up;
• If your child has convulsions;
• Your child is weak and just stares into nothingness;
• There is blood in the stool; and
• Your child is very sleepy or does not want to wake up.

Do not hesitate to seek help urgently if your child displays these warning signs. Visit your nearest healthcare facility or call an ambulance on 10177 immediately.

More information:
First 1 000 Days: https://www.westerncape.gov.za/first-1000-days

END

Roché Laws
Communications Officer
Overberg District
Western Cape Government Health and Wellness

Tel: +27 28 214 5825
Cell: +27 68 074 2455

E-mail:  Roche.Laws@westerncape.gov.za
Website: www.westerncape.gov.za

ODM have been ranked 4th in the 'C1 Non-Water Services Authority District Municipal Rank' by the research and advocacy non-profit organisation Good Governance Africa in the latest Governance Performance Index (GPI) report of 2024.

There is a rank of 8 metropolitan municipalities, 44 district municipalities and 205 local municipalities. The GGA evaluated all municipalities according to four categories - Administration and Governance; Leadership and Management; Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation; and Service Delivery.

Also, the top 4 of the district municipalities in this category are from the Western Cape.

Ranking of Local Municipalities in the Overberg region:

Overstrand Municipality
In the category 'B2 Large Towns': ranked 3rd
Western Cape - 5th
National - 5th

Cape Agulhas Municipality
In the category 'B3 Small Towns': ranked 5th.
Western Cape - 10th
National - 11th

Theewaterskloof Municipality
In the category 'B3 Small Towns': ranked 6th.
Western Cape - 12th
National - 14th

Swellendam Municipality
In the category 'B3 Small Towns': ranked 8th.
Western Cape - 14th
Nationally - 18th

Notice is hereby given of Council’s intention to alienate the undermentioned municipal properties in terms of section 14 of the Local Government: Municipal Finance Management Act (Act 56 of 2003) and the Municipal Asset Transfer Regulations:

Further information is available during normal office hours at the municipal offices, 26 Long Street, Bredasdorp (telephone 028 425 1157). Enquiries should be directed to Mr W Crafford.

Any objections against the alienation must be duly motivated in writing and be lodged at the undersigned by not later than 15 May 2024.

Persons who are unable to read or write may submit their objection/ comments verbally at the municipal offices, 26 Long Street, Bredasdorp and Ms J Hopley will assist them in putting their comments or objections in writing.

R BOSMAN
MUNICIPAL MANAGER
OVERBERG DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY
PRIVATE BAG X22
7280

Notice is hereby given in terms of section 19 of the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act, 32 of 2000, that an Ordinary Council meeting will take place at 11:00 on MONDAY, 25 MARCH 2024 via MS TEAMS

R BOSMAN
MUNICIPAL MANAGER / MUNISIPALE BESTUURDER
26 LONG STREET
BREDASDORP
7280

2024.03.07