Surge Season has arrived. According to the City of Cape Town, Surge Season is the high-risk season for childhood diarrhoea and pneumonia from November until May. The Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia Van der Ross has asked parents, caregivers and community members to actively protect children under 5 years of age.
Surge Season has arrived
Councillor Van der Ross has says although there has been a decline in the number of young children who succumb to diarrhoeal disease, caseloads for the past two seasons have remained consistent. She says between November 2023 and May 2024, there were 12,995 cases of diarrhoea in children under five in the Metropole.
Van der Ross says “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.”
During the 2022-2023 Surge Season, 12 275 cases were reported. City Health Authorities say Pneumonia cases saw a slight decline, from 12 592 in 2022/23, to 11 759 in 2023/24. At the same time, 15 children died due to diarrhoea, over 12 months from 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024.
Massive progress
The City says there has been massive progress from where they were a decade ago, however, these statistics highlight the need for ongoing vigilance, preventative actions, early access to care and early treatment to reduce complications from these diseases.
She added, “Remember, early recognition of symptoms, preventive hygiene, and timely vaccinations are the best defences we have.”
She reiterated that City Health is prepared to support families during Surge Season by providing valuable information on hygiene, nutrition, and medical support.
Van der Ross says community outreach programmes will continue to reach families across the metropole, equipping parents and caregivers with essential information on these preventive measures.
Recognising Urgent Danger Signs that Immediate Medical Attention
She has asked parents 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
Van der Ross says if any of these danger signs appear, parents and caregivers are encouraged to seek help urgently at any health facility.
Health Authorities say good hygiene practices play a vital role in reducing infections
They’ve given some recommendations.
· 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.
MORE ABOUT: Diarrhoeal disease
· 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.
MORE ABOUT: Drinking water quality across the city is monitored regularly and according to the strict South African National Standard for Drinking Water, SANS:241.
