The NICD is urging parents to ensure their children are vaccinated and seek medical attention quickly as rotavirus cases rise among young children.
By Mapaballo Borotho
The 2026 rotavirus season is underway, with a sharp increase in cases reported in Pretoria and one death recorded.
Parents are being urged to ensure their children are vaccinated and to closely monitor them for signs of dehydration, particularly when vomiting and diarrhoea occur.
Phemelo Motene spoke to the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) Centre for Enteric Diseases head, Professor Nicola Page, about the warning signs, prevention and when parents should seek medical attention.
Professor Page says rotavirus is common among young children and can cause severe illness, hospitalisation and death if it is not treated promptly.
“At the moment we are in what we call rotavirus season. It is common during the cooler season and in South Africa it usually starts at the end of June, July and August, but can cross over into September.
Every year around this time, we see an increase in diarrhoeal diseases, specifically in kids who are under the age of two,” she said.
The virus is highly contagious and can spread from person to person, particularly when proper hand hygiene is not practised after changing nappies or using the bathroom.
Professor Page says rotavirus can be treated effectively when medical attention is sought quickly, particularly by preventing and treating dehydration.
“It is also easily treatable if one gets medical attention quickly. If we treat the dehydration, children remain hydrated and no one has to die from this virus. We have also had a rotavirus vaccine since August 2009,” she added.
Symptoms
Symptoms usually begin within two days of exposure to the virus and may include:
- Fever and vomiting: These are often among the first symptoms and tend to improve within a few days.
- Diarrhoea: This can last several days to a week, while bowel movements may take longer to return to normal.
When to see a doctor?
Parents are urged to contact a healthcare professional if their child experiences:
- Diarrhoea lasting more than 24 hours.
- A fever of 38.9°C or higher.
- A fever of 38°C or higher in children under three months.
- Frequent vomiting.
- Severe stomach or rectal pain.
- Black or tarry stools, or stools containing blood or pus.
- Signs of severe dehydration.
Signs of dehydration in children
These may include:
- Excessive thirst or a dry mouth.
- Crying without tears.
- Low energy.
- Little or no urination, including no wet nappies for three or more hours.
- Sunken eyes or cheeks.
- A sunken soft spot on a baby’s skull.
- Loss of skin elasticity.
Parents are encouraged to ensure their children receive their routine vaccinations and to visit their nearest healthcare facility if they show signs of dehydration or become seriously ill.
Listen to the podcast for the full conversation.
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