The National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) says that flu transmission is currently at a moderate level and that circulation is declining. Based on historical data over a number of years, the NICD has seasonal thresholds which show the number…
South Africa’s cholera outbreak, with cases reported in five provinces, has claimed 26 lives. On World Food Safety Day, a food safety expert says ensuring proper food safety and hygiene protocols is the most effective way to prevent the further…
South Africa now faces its fourth outbreak of mainly childhood diseases since last year. This follows the confirmation of a diphtheria outbreak by the National Department of Health last week after cases were recorded in Kwazulu-Natal and in the Western…
Experts have warned healthcare workers not to wait for laboratory diagnoses, and to treat all diarrhoea cases as suspected cholera until proven otherwise. Addressing the media on Tuesday, the Head of the Centre for Enteric Diseases at the National Institute…
The death toll from the cholera outbreak in Hammanskraal climbed to 15t, the Gauteng Health Department confirmed Monday. The outbreak in the area was confirmed on Sunday. “By Sunday night 37 people were admitted to hospital. Another update will be…
The fight against biotech giant Vertex Pharmaceuticals is gaining traction in South Africa. It holds the patent to Trikafta, currently the only effective treatment for cystic fibrosis (CF). The drug is only accessible to wealthy patients in wealthy nations. Trikafta…
Experts say the disruptions caused by consistent power outages are forcing South Africans to consume more unhealthy foods putting them at higher risk of hypertension. In South Africa, more than 1 in 3 adults live with hypertension. An unhealthy diet,…
South Africa is in the midst of a mumps outbreak for the first time in over two decades, with over 1322 positive cases reported. The National Institute for Communicable Diseases(NICD) says Kwa-Zulu Natal, Mpumalanga and Gauteng recorded the majority of cases.…
In 2022, there was a resurgence of influenza activity, following the Covid-19 pandemic. Currently, the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) is unable to say what the flu trend will look like this winter. However, a prevalence in cases is…
South Africa is experiencing a rise in malaria cases in the endemic provinces and Gauteng. The National Institute of Communicable Diseases says there have been a number of severe cases due to late detection. “Undiagnosed and untreated malaria rapidly progresses…
Disease experts warn it is critically important that South Africans get their Covid-19 vaccines, especially immunocompromised people. This comes after the World Health Organisation declared Covid-19 is no longer a global public health emergency. Professor Cheryl Cohen, Head of the…
Decreasing investment in maternal and newborn health has stalled global progress in reducing deaths of pregnant women, mothers and babies since 2015. According to a new by the United Nations over 4.5 million women and babies die every year during…
Vaccines have been one of the greatest medical achievements of our time, saving countless lives and preventing the spread of deadly diseases. However, despite the benefits of immunisation, many children around the world are still not being vaccinated, which can…
As South Africa continues to experiences daily load shedding, the potential health risks associated with power cuts are at the forefront of people’s minds. With concerns about food safety mounting, experts are warning that consuming food stored in the fridge…