NICD reports sharp rise in rotavirus cases in Pretoria
The NICD says South Africa's rotavirus season is continuing and surveillance has recorded a sharp increase in Pretoria, with one death reported.
The National Institute for Communicable Diseases has reported a sharp increase in rotavirus cases in Pretoria as South Africa's 2026 seasonal wave continues.
The NICD said one death had been reported. It did not provide a total case count in its public notice.
Rotavirus is a common cause of diarrhoeal illness in young children. Symptoms can begin with vomiting and develop into watery diarrhoea, with dehydration the main danger.
The institute said South Africa's rotavirus season usually runs through the cooler, drier months from July to August and may continue into September.
The rotavirus vaccine has formed part of South Africa's expanded programme on immunisation since 2009. The NICD urged parents to keep children's vaccinations up to date and to watch for signs of dehydration.
Warning signs requiring prompt medical attention include unusual sleepiness, sunken eyes, very little urine, a dry mouth and an inability to drink or keep fluids down.
The institute advised continued breastfeeding for infants with diarrhoeal symptoms and the use of oral rehydration solution. Parents should seek help from a clinic or doctor if a child becomes weak, cannot drink, passes blood in the stool or shows signs of severe dehydration.
The alert applies nationally, with Pretoria identified as the area where surveillance recorded the sharp increase.