Young children and adults in Wagina, Choiseul Province are suffering from severe diarrhoea and vomiting in recent days in what is believed to be linked an outbreak of suspected Rota virus.
The situation is a cause of concern for the community and health authorities.
Reports have revealed the health centre is receiving increasing cases, mostly involving infants and children under five years old.
Symptoms include frequent watery stool, fever, and dehydration all commonly associated with Rota virus infection.
While no official laboratory confirmation has yet been released, local health workers are treating the cases as a suspected rota virus outbreak which had been declared an outbreak in Honiara and Guadalcanal.
Parents have been urged to look after the children and monitor them closely.
Seek medical attention immediately if symptoms arise, parents have been advised.
A nurse from the Wagina Clinic, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the clinic has seen a noticeable rise in child patients over the past week.
“Most of them are below the age of five, and they are coming in with signs of dehydration due to diarrhoea and vomiting.
“We are doing our best with the limited resources we have,” the nurse said.
The nurse added, even worse, they are running out of staff and so they have to call some nurse in Taro to assist.
‘’With more children affected, we already referred some of our patients over to Gizo Hospital for further treatment.”
Oto Kokia, a concerned parent residing in Gizo who recently made a call back to Wagina to check if his children are okay told Solomon Star in an interview that the virus spread so quickly and is targeting mostly children.
Oto said luckily his children are well and safe apart other children and young ages are currently affected.
“As of this week, some of the affected children are referred over to Gizo Hospital,” he said.
The situation has raised concerns about water safety and hygiene practices in the area, especially given the limited access to clean drinking water and proper sanitation facilities in some parts of Wagina.
Community leaders are now calling for urgent assistance from the Choiseul Provincial Health Division and the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) to contain the situation and prevent further spread.
Parents are being advised to ensure children are hydrated, practice good hygiene, boil drinking water, and avoid giving unwashed fruits or unsafe food to children.
Rota virus is a common and highly contagious illness that mostly affects infants and young children, and in severe cases, it can lead to hospitalization if not treated promptly.
Local authorities are monitoring the situation and are expected to release an official statement once further assessments are completed.
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
