Latest News & Developments
national institute for communicable diseases
South Africa faces avian flu threat: Urgent call for vaccination
South African Poultry Association has raised warning flags South Africa is facing a grave risk from the potential spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza.
Hand Foot and Mouth Disease spikes in KZN
KwaZulu-Natal grapples with rising Hand Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak
Understanding congenital syphilis: a growing concern in South Africa
South Africa faces a significant public health challenge with a reported 1 739 congenital syphilis cases in 2023, far exceeding the global target. This article explores the implications, causes, and necessary actions to combat this alarming trend.
Phoenix school reports 89 cases of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease amidst rising outbreak
A Phoenix mother has told how “heartbreaking” it had been to watch her two-year-old toddler struggle with the effects of HFMD.
Calls for calm over Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) outbreak at Phoenix school
“We wish to appeal to the public for calm in this regard, and for those who can, to note the facts, and not spread fear,” was the appeal made by Ntokozo Maphisa, spokesperson for the department in KZN.
Tanzania confirms Marburg virus outbreak as health authorities mobilise response
Tanzania declares Marburg virus outbreak amid extensive health response
South Africa reaffirms readiness for mpox as Sierra Leone battles fresh outbreak with two confirmed cases
Sierra Leone battles mpox outbreak as South Africa stays alert for new cases
Warning that Avian Flu could surpass Covid-19 if it mutates
South Africa braces for potential public health threats in 2025, with respiratory viruses like influenza, Covid-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and human metapneumovirus (HMPV) likely to dominate concerns. Professor Burtram Fielding, Dean of the Science Faculty at Stellenbosch University and an expert in virology, warns that global travel and climate change could lead to unpredictable spikes in infections outside traditional seasons.
HMPV outbreak in China: what South Africa needs to know and how to stay safe
Experts in South Africa address the recent human metapneumovirus outbreak (HMPV), reassuring the public that there is no immediate cause for concern.
HMPV: insights for South Africa amidst the outbreak
Experts in South Africa address the recent human metapneumovirus outbreak (HMPV), reassuring the public that there is no immediate cause for concern.
Calls for responsible sexual health during HIV event
The Educate Empower Elevate Foundation’s candlelight event at UNISA highlighted the importance of safe sex practices amidst declining condom use and rising reliance on PrEP, as experts call for increased awareness and advocacy.
Health Minister provides insights on Mpox cases in South Africa
Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi reveals the current status of Mpox cases in South Africa, including the number of reported cases, affected provinces, and details on screening procedures.
Rabies in South Africa: what you need to know about risks and prevention
With the holiday season approaching, South African authorities warn the public about the rising risk of rabies in dogs and Cape fur seals. This article outlines symptoms, precautions, and what to do if bitten.
'Graduation gone forever': Father reels in pain after Siyabonga Mnisi’s spaza shop death
Samuel Mnisi, the father to the deceased Siyabonga Mnisi hoped that this could be an eye opener for the government to act tough on certain things.
Urgent call for food safety in schools from Department of Basic Education
Parents, teachers and local vendors alike are encouraged to prioritise food safety and join the fight against foodborne illnesses.
Strengthening food safety: South Africa’s new strategies against foodborne illness
Following a surge in food poisoning incidents affecting school children, South Africa’s Health Minister convened a multi-stakeholder meeting to address food safety concerns and implement new strategies for prevention.
Cancer hero Isabella’s dream comes true with heart-warming Springbok meet
Isabella walked hand-in-hand with Kolisi and the Springboks players, and sang the national anthem in front of more than 40 000 rugby supporters.
Tiger Brands waits on expert review on listeriosis files as pretrial preparations continue in class action law suit
Victims in the lawsuit want the food producer to admit liability and settle their class action.
Western Cape man, second person in the province to test positive for Mpox
A 38-year-old Cape Town man has tested positive for Monkeypox, bringing the total number of infections to 25 in the country since the outbreak in May, the national Department of Health confirmed on Monday.
Mpox virus changing rapidly
A new strain of the virus, clade Ib, has the world’s attention again after the WHO declared a new health emergency.
WHO concerned about mpox outbreak in Africa
THE recent rise of mpox cases in Africa has the continent under the World Health Organization’s (WHO) microscope, this after recently declaring the disease a “public health emergency”. A panel of experts assembled by the Global Virus Network, which had public participation, discussed the surge of mpox cases around the world.
Measles outbreak leads to closure of four Northern Cape schools
Four schools in the Northern Cape have been closed following a measles outbreak in the Delportshoop.
SA faces ‘vaccine apartheid’ as Ramaphosa mobilises Mpox global support
There are major international hurdles to overcome before Africa and South Africa would be able to produce vaccines locally, among them guaranteed off-take deals, according to Aspen Pharmacare’s Dr Stavros Nicolaou.
Ramaphosa calls on WHO and partners to unlock support for Africa amid mpox outbreak
The WHO is asking countries with mpox vaccine stockpiles to donate them to countries with ongoing outbreaks.
Mpox cases rise to 24, earning spots in KZN, W Cape and GP
According to the DoH, 12 cases were discovered in Gauteng, 11 in KZN and one in the Western Cape.