Moffat Mungazi
Dr Tendai Zuze
Health Matters
AS the cold season settles in, most parents brace for colds and flu — but few are prepared for a surprising winter menace: diarrhoea in young children.
While many assume diarrhoeal illnesses are a summer problem, clinics across Zimbabwe often see a spike in cases during the colder months.
This surge is largely due to rotavirus, a virus that thrives in winter and spreads easily among young children, especially those in creches and schools.
Rotavirus is notorious for causing severe diarrhoea and vomiting in children under five.
It can survive on hands and surfaces for days, and just a tiny amount of exposure is enough to cause illness.
The infection starts suddenly — with frequent loose stools, vomiting, fever, and signs of discomfort.
In most cases, the illness runs its course in a few days, but the danger lies in dehydration, which can creep in quickly in small children.
A dehydrated child may become very quiet, lethargic, have a dry mouth, sunken eyes, or pass little to no urine.
These signs should never be ignored.
Sometimes, diarrhoea is accompanied by vomiting that makes it hard for the child to keep any fluids down, or by blood in the stool — both of which require urgent medical care.
Fortunately, one of the simplest and most effective tools to fight this illness is widely available and inexpensive: oral rehydration salts, or ORS.
When used early, ORS can prevent serious dehydration and even save lives. Every caregiver should know how to prepare it correctly (1 litre water, six level teaspoons of sugar and ½ teaspoon of salt) and give it in small, frequent sips — even if the child is still vomiting.
Feeding should not be stopped.
Breastfeeding must continue, and older children should be encouraged to eat small amounts of food.
There is good news, though. Since Zimbabwe introduced the rotavirus vaccine into its national immunisation schedule in 2014, the country has seen a marked decline in severe cases of diarrhoea.
Fewer children are being hospitalised for diarrhoeal illness, and more are recovering at home.
But for this progress to continue, vaccine coverage must remain high.
Every child should receive the full course of rotavirus vaccination.
If your child missed a dose, visit your local clinic to ask about catch-up immunisation.
As we move deeper into winter, now is the time to prepare.
Keep your home clean, practise frequent handwashing — especially before eating and after changing nappies — and keep ORS sachets in your household health kit.
And if you’re a parent or caregiver, stay alert.
Diarrhoea in winter may be common, but with prompt care and proper hydration, your child can recover safely and quickly.
For more information on rotavirus contact [email protected].
Online Reporter