Change in diarrhoea trends and the increasing importance of microbiological water quality due to HIV/AIDS in South Africa

Abstract

Much attention is given to the recording of diarrhoea incidence among children under the age of 5. This is used as an indicator of health of the community since diarrhoea historically has a more profound effect on children and elderly people. Diarrhoea incidence for children under the age of five is noted at each health facility and is available on a national database. Almost no attention has been given to adult diarrhoea. Trend lines however suggest an increase in the number of deaths in adults due to diarrhoea. This suggests an increase in the number of adults suffering from this illness. From the above it is clear that adult diarrhoea in SA should be a concern. The question is therefore – are we still measuring the correct things? More attention should be given to the incidence of diarrhoea amongst people in the adult population. In addition, the provision of safe in-house water supply or access to private water supplies is becoming critical.