India among two top countries for Pneumonia and Diarrhoea prevalence among children
Pune: Even as the John Hopkins University study and Pneumonia & Diarrhoea Report 2013 called India one of the top two countries for diarrhoea prevalence among children, doctors say this is the time for people to be alert as the “peak season” for the ailment is here.
During monsoons, water contamination and unhygienic food amplify the spread of diarrhoea, especially for school children. City based doctors have seen a rise of patients from the age group of 6 to 12 years over the last two weeks. “I have been getting 3 to 4 fresh cases everyday. Diarrhoea and indigestion in most cases was because of unhealthy lifestyle and wrong eating,” said consulting paediatrician, Pramod Jog.
Meanwhile schools have already started taking precautions to prevent spread of any water borne infection among children. City based IB school Victorius Educares has stopped the use of swimming pools and instead has started skating and cycling hours for students. “Swimming pools are kept dry to keep the dirty water from being digested by children. If any kid shows signs of diarrhoea or dehydration, we call the parents immediately to take the kid home,” said Robbin Ghosh, founder of the school.
Other schools like the Delhi Public School (DPS) conducts workshops to promote hand washing as a self vaccination method. The school has made healthy eating and hygienic living education an integral part of their student learning program.
5-year olds more susceptible
As per the John Hopkins University study, over 40 per cent of diarrhoea cases are attributed to rota virus. pediatricians list diarrhoea as one of the top three reasons for deaths in kids under five years of age. Out of 100, 17 kids have to get admitted for acute diarrhoea,” said pediatrician Sanjay Lalwani.
He added, “I have already started getting 6 to 7 fresh cases of patients between 2 months to 5 years of age. The virus spreads through water, unhygienic food and bad sanitation. Viral diarrhoea is tough to control and thus parents should start taking proper care as soon as the child gets infected.”
Prevent your child from infection
- Provide nutritious food and safe drinking water for children
- Monitor any signs or symptoms shown by your kids
- Avoid eating outside, especially at unknown places
- Use vaccines against rota virus and other infections for kids especially five year olds
- Visit a pediatrician for proper medical treatment
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