The arrival of rains and the absence of proper hand-washing increase cases of diarrhea, which this year affect school-age children.
Elenita Ramírez, an expert on diseases at the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS), commented that in the last five years they have detected an increase in cases of diarrhea.
These diseases have viral, bacterial and rotavirus causes.
In late April and early May, there is always an increase of outbreaks because of water, food contamination, and the viral causes linked to the transition from the dry to the rainy season,”
said Dr. Ramírez.
This year, 76,482 cases of diarrhea were treated in the medical centers of the CCSS, 2,700 cases less than the previous year. However, you cannot lower your guard.
“The most affected group is children under five years old… What is striking is that in the last year the second most affected group is school-age children,”
said Ramírez.
Strengthening hand-washing with soap and water is the best “vaccine” against diarrhea, according to the specialist.