Whooping cough
Whooping cough is an acute and contagious bacterial infection that is often underestimated because of the way in which it presents in young children.
Unreliable laboratory techniques are also a limiting factor in diagnosing the disease.
The infection may affect the respiratory system, leading to pneumonia; the neurological system, causing convulsions and loss of consciousness and the gastrointestinal system, leading to dehydration, vomiting and diarrhoea.
It can also create pressure, leading to nose bleeds, eye haemorrhages, skin bleeds and hernias.
What to look for in children
Characteristic coughing episodes, where breathing-in is difficult and breathing-out results in a number of coughs or "whoops".
Your child may become extremely anxious just before the episodes, but appear fine between the episodes.
Vomiting may also occur resulting in exhaustion.
What to look for in babies
The illness is not necessarily characterised by "whooping" in babies, and coughing may only appear at a later stage.
Babies tend to stop coughing and may turn blue. They may also have convulsions.
What to do
If any of the above symptoms are evident, seek medical help immediately. This is a serious disease and may require hospitalisation.
Whooping cough is contagious - keep your child isolated during the coughing phase to prevent the spread of the illness.
A cardinal point to remember is that this disease can be prevented. Protect your children by taking them for immunisations. (refer to your local clinic.)
Measles
Measles disease is an acute, contagious viral infection, which commonly targets the respiratory system.
It usually affects children under the age of five years.
The infection could affect the respiratory system, leading to middle ear infection and pneumonia; the neurological system, causing convulsions and loss of consciousness and the gastrointestinal system, leading to dehydration and diarrhoea.
The disease could become further complicated by ulceration of the eyes in extreme cases.
What to look for
A runny nose, fever and barking cough (the result of an upper respiratory infection) are often present in the initial phase of measles, which may last up to six days.
Other warning signs include: an inflamed mouth and throat, sometimes with grey/white spots as well as a skin rash occurring behind the ears, below the hairline and face, spreading down to the chest, abdomen, arms and legs.
The spots during this eruptive phase are reddish, well defined and slightly raised.
What to do
Measles is contagious. Keep your child isolated during the initial and eruptive phases of the illness.
Relieve the fever with cool water sponging and administer paracetamol.
Make sure your child drinks lots of fluids and continues to eat a balanced diet. Breast-feeding is recommended for babies.
Seek medical help when the spots appear or in the event of any complications.
Your doctor may prescribe a dosage of vitamin A and hospitalisation will be recommended in severe cases.
Once again, prevention of this disease is possible and essential - make sure your child is immunised.
Malaria
Malaria is a parasitic infestation of the liver and red blood cells.
The parasites responsible for the disease are called plasmodium palciforum and plasmodium vivax.
They are present in epidemic proportions in South Africa - most commonly in northern KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga.
Infection may result in kidney failure, vomiting, diarrhoea, dehydration, shortness of breath, liver failure and blood in the urine.
There is also a risk of contracting cerebral malaria, which targets the brain.
Children of about three years seem to be the most susceptible to the disease.
What to look for
Symptoms include a poor appetite, fever, paleness, extreme fatigue, vomiting and diarrhoea.
Babies and young children also develop cold shivers, while older children may experience fever convulsions.
Always be aware that symptoms may only appear up to two weeks after visiting an epidemic area.
Be aware of possible complications, such as loss of consciousness, body swelling, shortness of breath and blood in the urine.
What to do
Wherever possible children and babies should not visit high-risk malaria areas.
Families residing in a malaria zone should be especially aware of the risks and take the necessary precautions.
If any of the above symptoms occur after recently visiting a malaria area seek medical advise immediately.
Malaria therapy is available for both complicated and uncomplicated cases.
If you live in a malaria area, or plan on visiting one, ask your doctor or pharmacist to advise you on what medication is suitable to avoid infection.
In addition to preventative medicine use insect repellants, mosquito nets and protective clothing.