City rallies to manage Surge Season
06 November 2024
As we enter the high-risk season for childhood diarrhoea and pneumonia from November through May, City Health is urging all parents, caregivers, and community members to take active steps to protect children under five. Read more below:
While there has been a marked decline in the number of young children who succumb to diarrhoeal disease, caseloads for the past two seasons have remained consistent.
Between November 2023 and May 2024, there were 12 995 cases of diarrhoea in children under five in the metropole, compared to 12 275 the previous year.
Pneumonia cases noted a slight decline, from 12 592 in 2022/23, to 11 759 in 2023/24.
In the 12 months from 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024, 15 children died due to diarrhoea.
'There has been massive progress from where we were a decade ago, but these statistics highlight the need for ongoing vigilance, preventative actions, early access to care, and early treatment to reduce complications from these diseases.
'Caregivers should be vigilant about spotting early signs of diarrhoea and pneumonia, which increase during this time of year and remain leading causes of serious illness and death in children under five. City Health and its partners remain committed to supporting families through this challenging period. Remember, early recognition of symptoms, preventive hygiene, and timely vaccinations are the best defences we have,' said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia Van der Ross.
Recognising Urgent Danger Signs for Immediate Medical Attention
Parents are urged to watch for specific danger signs that necessitate prompt medical care from healthcare practitioners.
Immediate care is essential if a child presents with any of the following:
- Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
- Persistent fever or a high temperature
- Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, no tears when crying, or sunken eyes)
- Convulsions or seizures
- Unresponsiveness or lethargy
If any of these danger signs appear, parents and caregivers are encouraged to seek help urgently at any health facility.
In addition to the urgent danger signs, caregivers should be aware of the following common symptoms:
- For Diarrhoea: Frequent, watery stools; dry mouth; no tears when crying; decrease in activity or alertness.
- For Pneumonia: Rapid or difficult breathing; fever; persistent coughing; chest in-drawing (when the child's chest pulls in with each breath).
The Sugar-Salt Solution: A Life-Saving Home Remedy for Dehydration
To help manage dehydration from diarrhoea at home, City Health recommends the sugar-salt solution, an easy and affordable remedy:
- Boil one litre of water and allow it to cool
- Mix the water with eight level teaspoons of sugar and ½ level teaspoon of salt
- Stir until dissolved, then give it to the child in small, frequent sips
This solution helps replenish lost fluids and electrolytes, which is critical to preventing severe dehydration. However, parents should always seek medical help for children with persistent symptoms or if dehydration worsens.
City Health's Efforts During Surge Season
City Health is prepared to support families during Surge Season by providing valuable information on hygiene, nutrition, and medical support. Community outreach programmes will continue to reach families across the metropole, equipping parents and caregivers with essential information on these preventive measures.
Good hygiene practices play a vital role in reducing infections:
- Handwashing: All family members should wash hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially before meals, after using the bathroom, and after caring for a sick child.
- Sanitation: Keep children's play areas and utensils clean. Dispose of waste properly to reduce contamination risks.
- Vaccination is another essential preventive measure.
- City Health encourages all parents to ensure their children are up-to-date on their vaccinations.
Please visit your nearest clinic for more information or to schedule a vaccination appointment.
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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
