Hand hygiene is critical, and even more so as warmer weather looms. Global Handwashing Day on 15 October offers a useful reminder of the importance of good hand hygiene in preventing disease and protecting communities. 

Increased hygiene practices, including hand washing, has led to a near 7% decrease in reported surge season illnesses.

During the 2023/24 financial year 25 187 cases of children under five years old presenting with diarrhoea were reported, compared to 23 447 during 2024/2025. The City’s Environmental Health Practitioners are helping residents of all ages to be handwashing heroes. 

During the last financial year, Environmental Health teams conducted a total of 1 229 hand hygiene interventions across the city, promoting healthier habits and helping to prevent the spread of disease.

Through targeted hand hygiene interventions, teams engage with different age groups in schools, communities and other settings, turning health messages into practical skills that people can use at home, at work and wherever they prepare or share food. 

These include one-on-one and small group education sessions at informal settlements, schools, clinics, ECD centres and community events; as well as practical demonstrations of proper handwashing techniques and when handwashing matters. 

Surge season, from November to May, brings an increased risk of illnesses such as diarrhoea, making good hygiene, safe food handling and knowing when and where to seek care, particularly important. 

Diarrhoeal illness can lead to dehydration, especially in young children, and residents are encouraged to act early by replacing lost fluids and using oral rehydration solution (ORS) where appropriate.

‘Handwashing is one of the most accessible ways for residents to reduce their risk of illness, but it is only one part of staying healthy during surge season. We are reminding residents to take practical steps to protect themselves and their families – from washing hands and handling food safely, to recognising symptoms and getting help when needed,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham.

Residents should wash their hands thoroughly with soap and clean running water, particularly before preparing or eating food, after using the toilet, after changing nappies and after caring for someone who is ill. 

Good hand hygiene should be supported by safe food preparation and storage, including keeping food at appropriate temperatures and preventing cross-contamination.

The City is also highlighting the importance of hepatitis A prevention, as the virus can spread through contaminated food or water and poor hand hygiene. 

Residents who experience symptoms such as diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort or fever should seek medical advice, particularly if symptoms are severe or persistent.

Environmental Health Practitioners monitor and address risks in the environment, including food safety and hygiene concerns, and residents can report environmental health issues through the City's service-request channels.

The City is also encouraging residents to make use of its digital self-service options. Residents 
can use the self-service portal to lodge service requests and complaints, while clinic appointments can be scheduled using the Healthcare Appointment System.

‘Something as simple as washing our hands regularly can help protect our families, especially young children who are more vulnerable to dehydration when they become ill. As we approach the summer months, we want residents to know how to prevent illness, recognise the warning signs and get help when they need it,’ added Councillor Higham.

All City Health clinics have activated their summer surge plans and are stocked with supplies to treat dehydration. For more information, visit your nearest City Health clinic.