Diarrhoea hits Gantsi
Gantsi District has recorded more than 100 diarrhoea cases in a single week amid a rotavirus outbreak that has prompted intensified health interventions in the district.
Gantsi District Council chairperson, Thabiso Shane Kebadirile recently told councilors that the district recorded its highest weekly total of 124 diarrhoea cases three weeks ago, before the number dropped to 57 cases last week.
Despite the decline, Kebadirile said the latest figure remained more than double the number recorded during the same period last year.
He added that the outbreak has also claimed the life of one child under the age of five in Gantsi.
The development comes as health officials report that eight deaths have been recorded nationally in the ongoing diarrhoea disease situation.
Kebadirile said the increase in Gantsi was linked to a rotavirus outbreak, which particularly affects young children.
He said in response, the District Health Management Team has intensified community health education through kgotla meetings, schools and other platforms, while health workers have undergone refresher training.
He said an emergency order for rotavirus vaccines had also been placed, while medicines and other commodities were available.
Environmental Health Officers are also busy conducting water sampling, while Water Utilities Corporation is supporting communities by educating them on safe handling and storage of drinking water.
Kebadirile urged councilors to reinforce preventative messages in their communities, by encouraging them to drink treated water, wash hands with soap regularly, and maintain good food and household hygiene.
He said all children should be fully vaccinated and medical attention should be sought early when children develop diarrhoea or other signs of illness.
Caregivers have also been advised to use Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) and zinc as directed by health workers.
The chairperson explained there has been diarrhoea outbreak in communities in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve of Metsiamanong, Molapo and Gope.
Kebadirile said a mobile health team is currently in the CKGR attending to the affected communities and implementing public health measures to bring the outbreak under control.