NICD warns parents as Rotavirus cases rise in Pretoria
Parents have been warned to on the lookout for Rotavirus.
The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) has issued a warning to parents of children under five regarding a surge in Rotavirus cases in Pretoria. So far, one child has died from the infection. Rotavirus is a prevalent childhood diarrheal illness, often marked by abrupt vomiting and watery diarrhea, potentially leading to fatal dehydration.
According to the NICD, most children contract the virus by age two, making it particularly dangerous due to the risk of severe dehydration. Dr. Nicola Page, a Principal Medical Scientist at the NICD, emphasized the importance of awareness as "no child should be dying of diarrhoea." The institute's surveillance reveals the 2026 rotavirus season has begun with a significant increase in cases in Pretoria.
The NICD advises parents to ensure their children are vaccinated against rotavirus and to continue breastfeeding infants.
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