HCC Health steps up surveillance in light of spike in diarrhoea cases detected in clinics
BY INDY MAEALASIA
The diarrhoea outbreak across Honiara and parts of Guadalcanal is linked to the Rota virus.
The Honiara City Council (HCC) Health Division says this as it continues its surveillance efforts on the diarrhoea outbreak.
The spread of the Rota virus was announced by the ministry of health in early June this year.
This week MHMS announced the diarrhoea outbreak, which mainly targets children below the age of 5.
Health Director Dr Lawrence Diau confirmed that as of July 3, 177 cases have been recorded among children across the HCC health facilities.
Fortunately, no deaths have been reported and several patients have already recovered.
According to the latest surveillance data, most of the reported cases are from communities including Gilbert Camp, Tuvaruhu and Independence Valley among others.
Diau said the outbreak has been linked to Rotavirus, a common virus that causes watery diarrhoea and vomiting in children.
The virus can be spread through contact with contaminated surfaces, water, or food, as well as through direct person-to-person transmission.
He said that most of the cases are likely linked to the use of contaminated water. Investigations are ongoing in the affected communities to determine the exact sources of transmission.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS), in a press statement, advised the general public to continue practicing good hygiene practices (eg. washing of hands with soap and clean water or use of alcohol hand sanitizers).
“Parents and guardians are advised to bring your child to your nearest clinic if your child shows the signs and symptoms of diarrhoea or vomiting, please take them to nearest clinic without delay,” the statement reads.
Rotavirus has been detected by the National Referral Hospital (NRH) Medical Laboratory on June 16, 2025.
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