Cape Town - A heatwave that has hit the Western Cape since November has caused the number of diarrhoea cases reported in Cape Town to soar to 9 000 – the highest it has been in several years.
Mayco member for health Siyabulela Mamkeli also explained that two toddlers died as a result of diarrhoea in Bloekombos last year.
The provincial health department spokesperson, Mark van der Heever, said 18 095 children were treated for diarrhoea across the province between October 1 and January 24. However, only 2 033 required hospitalisation.
Mamkeli was speaking at a diarrhoea awareness campaign at the Dora Tamane Early Childhood Development Centre in Khayelitsha.
The campaign was hosted by mayor Patricia de Lille.
Mamkeli said: “The cases reported were mostly in informal settlements where there is illegal dumping and bad management of food waste. Bacteria flourishes in the heat. Kids play in those dumps and eat without washing their hands.”
He said diarrhoea was a preventable virus. “We can’t allow a situation where children lose their lives because of someone’s lack of knowledge or ignorance.”
De Lille said the campaign was aimed at informing parents and children about prevention through good personal hygiene practices.
“This crèche is doing so well. We had no incidents of diarrhoea here because children are being taught how to wash their hands. We are now taking it further by giving them a toothbrush, soap and facecloth.”
The crèche’s principal, Nobuntu Sohaba, said a healthy menu was important to build up kid’s immune systems to fight off viruses and bacteria.
She said the crèche has a vegetable garden and many meals were created from its harvest. The city provided it with garden necessities to help with its upkeep.
Sohaba said: “It also depends on a good interaction with the parents and the community. With this food garden, we are helping those who are unemployed. We have a food kitchen as well, so that we interact with the community.”
Cape Argus