Sameera Baba, 2016-03-02

Twelve children all the under the age of five have died  and thousands of others treated for gastroenteritis in Cape Town.

The Western Cape Provincial Health Department says three of deaths have been recorded in the Winelands and two in the Metro since the beginning of the diarrhoea season this month.

Spokesperson Sithembiso Magubane says the department has established oral rehydration treatment rooms in which parents and affected children are given priority treatment.

Reports indicate at least 14 000 children have been treated for diarrhea while over 3 221 have been hospitalized.

Prevention of gastro includes hand washing with soap, drinking clean water, proper disposal of human waste, and breastfeeding babies instead of using formula.

(Edited by Faizel Patel)