The Ministry of Health and Wellness revealed in a media briefing with local journalists that there has been an abnormally high increase of diarrhoea cases amongst under-fives across the country from week 36 and that currently 17 out of the 27 districts are experiencing the outbreak.
It is estimated that 80% of the diarrhoea cases involve children under the age of 2 years and males are slightly more affected than females in a list of 9 districts where data was collected.
“24 deaths have been recorded for the period week 36 to week 39,” revealed Ruth Maphorisa, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Health and Wellness.
She said, “21,544 cases have been recorded between week 36-39(2nd to 30th September 2018).”
Officials revealed that 3 districts Kgatleng, North East and Goodhope) are now on alert mode.
The Ministry of Health and Wellness collected 487 samples across districts and found in 246 cases (51%) that rota virus tests were positive. 180 samples were sent to RSA for genotyping and 99 tested positive for rotavirus and 81 were negative and will be tested for other viruses.
“We are looking to improve monitoring of the outbreak by doing lab testing in strategic place with support of District Health Management Team (DHMT) and strengthen reporting by facilities,” said Maphorisa.
She said, “Critical message is handwashing and general hygiene measures.”
Officials dismissed reports the current diarrhoea outbreak could be caused by contaminated water provided by Water Utilities Corporation(WUC) saying public water is safe to drink.
