COVID-19 hygiene measures are possible cause for drop in annual diarrhoeal disease cases

18 November 2020

With the arrival of the annual ‘surge’ season, a reflection on the data from the previous season shows a downturn in the caseload among young children, but the reasons are potentially varied.

The City of Cape Town’s Health Department is hopeful that existing health and hygiene protocols to mitigate against COVID-19 exposure will also have a positive impact on incidences of diarrhoeal disease.

Diarrhoea is more prevalent during the warmer months, and while it presents as a mild illness in adults, it can be deadly for children under the age of five.

In recent years, there has been an encouraging decline in the overall caseload reported in this age group during what has become known as ‘surge season’ (November – May). Other data that is tracked during this time, includes pneumonia and severe acute malnutrition in young children.

The most recent period between November 2019 and May 2020, yielded a 25% drop in overall caseload compared to the previous year.

• 2017/18: 28 522 diarrhoea cases
• 2018/19: 24 825 diarrhoea cases
• 2019/20: 18 504 diarrhoea cases

‘The drop in caseload is not unexpected, as it is a trend we have been seeing for several years now. However, there was a massive drop in the number of cases in April and May this year, which is when we were under Alert Level 5 of the national lockdown. The drop is most likely due to a combination of improved hygiene protocols, secondary to COVID-19 awareness, as well as people limiting clinic visits during lockdown.

It is imperative that we interrogate the drop and find clarity, as the findings could inform our education, awareness and prevention efforts in future. We need to pause and acknowledge the massive strides made in the fight against diarrhoeal disease in young children, but we should always strive to do even better,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.

Good hygiene is key to diarrhoea prevention, with research showing that handwashing is the most effective way to prevent diarrhoea from spreading.

‘Handwashing is essential in preventing the spread of germs, and given the emphasis on this during the COVID-19 pandemic, we are now starting to see the benefits in other areas. A few months ago we indicated that the flu season was virtually non-existent due to the hygiene protocols brought about by COVID, and if we abide by these habits, I have no doubt that we will see a further downturn in the number of diarrhoea cases this summer,’ said Councillor Badroodien.

Apart from handwashing, parents and caregivers are advised to wash bottles, bowls, spoons and teats before feeding young children.

• Vomiting
• Loose, watery stools (runny stomach)
• Lethargy (low energy)
• Dehydration – passing little urine, dry mouth, few tears when crying, sunken eyes and weakness
• Severe dehydration – drowsiness, pale/mottled skin, cold hands or feet, dry nappies, fast and shallow breathing

Dehydration in children can be countered through a rehydration solution, breast milk, thin soup or very thin porridge that is fed to them a little bit at a time.

 
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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office