4 MORE CHILDREN DIE FROM DIARRHOEA

Prime Minister Sibusiso Dlamini (R) shakes hands with WHO representative Owen Kaluwa while Health Minister Sibongile Simelane looks on. (Pics: Mduduzi Mngomezulu)

MBABANE – Four more children have died as a result of the diarrhoea outbreak which began about three weeks ago. These figures were given by Prime Minister Sibusiso Barnabas Dlamini at a press conference that was held in Cabinet offices yesterday.

The first figures to be released by Ministry of Health Director of Medical Services Dr Vusi Magagula were that there were 27 deaths and four days later, the ministry announced that five more children had died to bring the number to 32 deaths.

“The latest figures indicate that were four more deaths were reported. The prime minister said since the outbreak, there were 3 042 cases treated in the four regions of the country.
“Most of these were successfully dealt with at outpatient stage. At least 511 children were admitted as inpatients. The majority of the latter were succefully treated and discharged. Sadly, 36 of those children died while undergoing treatment,” said Dlamini.

He said laboratory investigations have proceeded in the meantime, and it has been confirmed that the rotavirus is the cause of this diarrhoea-outbreak. He said government would like to assure the public that all treatment requirements for the management of diarrhoea have been distributed to all health facilities.

Dlamini said health workers have been refreshed on case management and treatment guidelines. The head of government added that the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy was currently conducting Law analysis of the water drawn from different water sources across the country.
“The government, in its vaccination programme, already has plans to introduce a rotavirus vaccine in the country. In response to the unforeseen outbreak, government will now accelerate the introduction of the vaccine.

“World Health Organisation is arriving this week to provide advice on the accelerated programme. Rotavirus is commonly contracted through poor hygienic practices. We urge the public to practice thorough handwashing using soap and safe running water after using the toilet, changing nappies and before preparing and consuming food. We encourage the public to observe good sanitation practices, as well as drinking water that is known to be safe, or water that is boiled before use,” noted the prime minister.

Fruits

Dlamini said fruits and vegetables should be washed with clean water when taken raw.
Proper handling and storage of food is key to the prevention of  diarrhoea.
He said immediately a child is seen to be suffering from diarrhoea and vomiting, the parents, guardians or caretakers of that child should rush it to a health centre or hospital. He said when diarrhoea occurs while preparing to go to a health facility, a sugar and salt solution should be given. Dlamini advised that would help prevent the most dangerous threat to the child which is dehydration.

Dlamini said immediately the first cases of the outbreak were reported, the Ministry of Health mobilised the epidemic task force to respond to the situation. He said all regional hospitals and health centres were visited to collect patient information to carry out the first stage response to establish the precise cause of the problem. Children under the age of two were the most affected.

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