Surge season decline shows fewer cases, hospital admissions
26 February 2021
Halfway through Surge Season, there is a notable decline in diarrhoea and pneumonia cases. The period between November and May usually coincides with an increase in diarrhoea and pneumonia cases. However, recent data shows a decline year-on-year.
Surge season data tracks cases of diarrhoea, pneumonia and severe acute malnutrition in young children.
If these are not diagnosed timeously and treated, it can have life threatening consequences.
The City’s Surge Season Team was created to prevent poor outcomes and includes City Health Primary Care and Environmental Health.
Between November and January, there has been a 29% decrease in cases and a 15% decrease in hospital admissions, compared to the same period the previous year. The number of deaths have remained stable at 10 children who have succumbed.
The figures are as follows:
2017/18 - 30 714 diarrhoea cases
2018/19 - 26 634 diarrhoea cases
2019/20 - 18 749 diarrhoea cases
‘While we are only halfway through the season, we expect a similar trend. Diarrhoea, pneumonia and malnutrition remain the biggest health risks to young children and yet it can be treated and is entirely preventable. While the current data shows a decline, we encourage continued vigilance and adherence to health protocols,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.
The decline is partially attributed to the increased adherence to health protocols for Covid-19.
‘We have always encouraged increased hygiene and regular handwashing to prevent diarrhoea. The pandemic has brought greater awareness of these protocols and further education drives have contributed to an increased consciousness of how these simple health protocols can prevent disease and save lives,’ said Councillor Badroodien.
The City’s clinics provide services to diagnose and treat diarrhoea, pneumonia, malnutrition and a number of other ailments affecting children.
‘Annually, we have thousands of children who are treated and hospitalised for these illnesses, therefore it is important for parents and caregivers to continue with health protocols and to seek treatment at their local clinic as soon as they observe symptoms or suspect one of these ailments,’ added Councillor Badroodien.
Apart from handwashing, parents and caregivers are advised to wash bottles, bowls, spoons and teats before feeding young children.
They are also encouraged to familiarise themselves with the symptoms of diarrhoea:
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 (it can be made at home by mixing eight teaspoons of sugar and half a teaspoon of salt in one litre of cooled boiled water), breast milk, thin soup or very thin porridge that is fed to them a little bit at a time.
End
Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
