Stay Safe and Healthy: Preventing Seasonal Diarrhea

As members of the Midnimo College community, our health and well-being are essential for our studies and our families. In Somalia, we face specific health challenges that change with the seasons. One of the most serious and preventable of these is acute watery diarrhea (AWD), including cholera.

Outbreaks can happen at any time but are especially common during two periods:

1. The dry (Jilaal) season: When water is scarce, sources can become concentrated and easily contaminated.
2. The rainy (Gu’) season: When heavy rains and floods wash waste into our water supplies, contaminating wells and other sources.

Diarrhea is dangerous because it causes the body to lose water and salts rapidly, leading to severe dehydration. As educated students and community members, we have a vital role to play in preventing its spread.

## Know the Cause: How Diarrhea Spreads

The main cause is simple: contamination. Diarrheal diseases are spread by consuming food or water that has been contaminated with germs, most often from the feces (stool) of an infected person. This can happen through:

• Drinking from an unsafe water source.
• Poor sanitation (like open defecation) that gets into rivers or wells.
• Dirty hands preparing food or touching your mouth.
• Eating raw or poorly cooked food that has been contaminated.

## Your 5-Step Prevention Plan: Protect Yourself and Your Family

Prevention is simple, effective, and in your hands. Let’s all commit to these five key actions.

1. Practice Critical Handwashing 🧼

This is the single most important way to stop the spread of germs. Wash your hands with soap and clean water at these key times:

• After using the toilet.
• Before preparing food.
• Before eating any food.
• Before feeding a child.
• After cleaning a child who has used the toilet.

2. Ensure Safe Drinking Water 💧

Never assume water is safe. Always treat your drinking water.

• Boil: Bring water to a rolling boil for at least 1 minute. This is the most effective method.
• Treat: Use water purification tablets or drops (like chlorine) exactly as instructed.
• Store Safely: Keep your treated water in a clean, covered container.

3. Maintain Food Hygiene 🍲

Germs can grow quickly on food.

• Cook Thoroughly: Cook all food, especially meat, until it is hot all the way through.
• Eat it Hot: Try to eat cooked food immediately.
• Keep it Clean: Wash all fruits and vegetables with safe, clean water. Keep food covered and away from flies.

4. Use Latrines and Keep Areas Clean 🚮

Proper sanitation is a community defense.

• Always use a latrine or toilet.
• Avoid open defecation, as it contaminates the ground and water.
• Keep the area around your home and latrine clean. Safely dispose of all waste.

5. Know What to Do if Someone Gets Sick 🤒

Acting fast can save a life. The main danger is dehydration.

• Seek Help: Go to the nearest health clinic immediately if you or a family member has watery diarrhea, especially if there is vomiting.
• Use ORS: Start giving Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) right away. This is a special drink with salts and sugar that replaces what the body has lost.
• Continue Fluids: Keep giving fluids like clean water and soup. Continue to breastfeed a baby who is sick.

Let’s make this season a healthy one. By taking these steps, we protect ourselves, our college, and our entire community.

Be aware. Take action. Stay healthy.