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General health information

Diarrhoea

With diarrhoea, stools are more frequent and looser than usual. A gut infection is usually the cause and often gets better on its own, but dehydration can quickly become dangerous, especially for babies, older people, pregnant people and those with vulnerable health. Drinking enough and recognising warning signs in time matter most.

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  • Diarrhoea means passing loose or watery stools more often than is normal for you.
  • Most acute cases result from infection and improve with fluids, rest and normal food.
  • Oral rehydration solution (ORS) replaces both water and salts; soft drinks, juice and sports drinks are not equivalent substitutes.
  • Dehydration can develop faster in Curaçao's heat and is particularly dangerous for young children, older people and vulnerable people.
  • Blood, severe abdominal pain, drowsiness, hardly urinating or inability to drink are reasons to seek help promptly.

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Further reading

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RoseolaRoseola is a common viral infection in babies and toddlers, with a sudden high fever lasting several days, often followed by a pink rash as the fever falls. Most children recover on their own, but age, drinking, breathing, how easily they wake and warning signs matter more than the name of the rash.
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A child with feverFever in a child is often caused by a virus and usually clears up on its own. However, it can also indicate a more serious infection, especially in very young children, unusually drowsy children or those drinking little. Bo Dòkter advises a low threshold for medical assessment in children under 3 years; babies and children with warning signs need prompt assessment.
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