Diarrhoea

Supporting Information

Parents should immediately seek help from a trained health worker if the child:

• passes several watery stools in one or two hours
• passes blood in the faeces
• vomits frequently
• has a fever
• is extremely thirsty
• does not want to drink
• refuses to eat
• has sunken eyes
• looks weak or is lethargic
• has had diarrhoea for more than one week.

If the child has any of these signs, help from a trained health worker is needed urgently. In the meantime, the child should be given ORS solution or other liquids.

If the child passes several watery stools in one or two hours and vomits, there is cause for alarm – these are possible signs of cholera. Cholera can kill children in a matter of hours. Seek medical help immediately.

• Cholera can spread throughout the community quickly through contaminated water or food. Cholera usually occurs in situations where there is poor sanitation and overcrowding.
• There are four steps to be taken to limit the spread of cholera or diarrhoea:
  1. Dispose of all faeces in a latrine or toilet or bury them
  2. Wash hands with soap or ash and water after contact with faeces
  3. Use safe drinking water
  4. Wash, peel or cook all foods.