No Rotavirus outbreak in the province

8 August 2016

The Gauteng Department of Health would like to dispel any rumours of Rota Virus outbreak in the province.

This follows a statement that was issued claiming that hospitals in Gauteng have had an increased incidence of babies with gastroenteritis despite having taken the Rotavirus vaccination that should have prevented this.

Rotavirus vaccine works only against the rotavirus. Rotavirus is not the only cause of childhood gastroenteritis. Other causes include changes from liquid to solid foods, food allergy, bacterial and viral infections including HIV.

While it is true that Rota virus is the leading cause of severe diarrhea worldwide, studies that have been carried out by NICD have shown a marked reduction in Rotavirus related gastroenteritis in the country.

Since Rota virus is not the only cause of gastroenteritis in children, it is possible for a child to have gastroenteritis even though they have been immunized against Rota virus which is administered at 6 and 14 weeks.

Statement issued by Steve Mabona, Gauteng Health, 8 August 2016