03 Mar 2020

The Ministry of Health and Wellness has issued a public warning to the effect that Botswana is currently in diarrhoea season.

In a press statement, the ministry states that January, February and March are diarrhoea months.

The release advises the public to take necessary precautions to prevent diarrhoea by drinking safe or treated water, boiling water drawn from boreholes/rivers before use, cooking food thoroughly as well as covering food and leftovers to avoid contact with flies.

Other precautions recommended include strict observation of personal hygiene measures such as hand washing with soap after visiting the toilet, before and after handling food as well as before and after feeding children and ensuring proper waste disposal.

Also encouraged are breastfeeding exclusively, ensuring immunization of children as per the Botswana schedule and visiting the nearest health facility immediately.

The release says diarrhoea symptoms include passing three or more watery stools in a day which may lead to severe dehydration and loss of life.

It is spread through consumption of contaminated food, drinking unclean water and from person to person owing to poor hygiene practices, says the release.

The release further says all health facilities are ready to provide the necessary services for the management of diarrhoea.

More information can be obtained by calling 363 2766 or 0800 600 740. ENDS