Everyday illness · 3 min read · Updated October 2026
Diarrhoea: ORS, zinc and the hygiene that prevents it
Diarrhoea is still a leading cause of child deaths in Africa, yet two cheap treatments prevent most of them.
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Diarrhoea kills by dehydration. The treatment is simple and inexpensive: oral rehydration solution (ORS) and, for children, zinc. Most cases do not need antibiotics.
ORS
Use a sachet mixed in the exact amount of clean water stated on the packet. Give small sips often, after every loose stool: about half a cup for a child under two, a full cup for older children, and as much as wanted for adults. Keep feeding, including breastfeeding. If no sachet is available, mix six level teaspoons of sugar and half a level teaspoon of salt in one litre of clean water.
Zinc for children
Give zinc tablets or syrup daily for 10 to 14 days to children under five. It shortens the illness and prevents the next episode for months.
When to get help
See a doctor if diarrhoea lasts more than three days, there is blood in the stool, or there is a high fever. Go to a hospital now if the person cannot drink, is very drowsy, has sunken eyes, has not passed urine for many hours, or is a baby under six months with repeated vomiting.
Prevention
Wash hands with soap after the toilet, after changing nappies, and before preparing or eating food. Drink treated or boiled water. Keep food covered and cook it well. Rotavirus vaccine protects infants and is part of most national schedules. Cholera outbreaks happen in several countries; during one, follow local health advice and treat all diarrhoea urgently.
Emergency numbers
767 works in Lagos State; 112 is the national number. Numbers change: please check locally. If a number does not connect, go straight to the nearest hospital.
Related doctors
Questions about this? A general practice doctor can help today.
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