Current Issues

What do the latest findings tell us about STIs and treatment in South Africa? Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a group of infections passed from one person to another through sexual contact. Caused by more than 30 bacterial, viral, and parasitic pathogens, STIs can range from curable infections like gonorrhoea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis, to lifelong

What Do 12 Years of Data Reveal About Rabies and Animal Bite Trends in Limpopo? Rabies is a viral zoonotic disease caused by the rabies virus and is primarily transmitted to humans through the saliva of infected animals. Transmission occurs via bites, scratches, or contact with mucous membranes and open wounds. The disease presents with

How Have Diarrhoeal Pathogens Affected South Africans Over 5 Years of Age in the Last 5 Years? Enteric pathogens are a common cause of diarrhoeal diseases and affect the stomach and intestines. These pathogens spread mainly through contact with contaminated food, water, or surfaces. Diarrhoeal disease has long been a significant global public health concern,

Why Is Influenza Still a Concern in South Africa? Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that primarily affect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. Its severity can vary from mild symptoms to life-threatening complications, especially for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, young children,

What Do the 2021 Autopsy Findings Reveal About Occupational Diseases in Miners? Occupational lung diseases, including emphysema and pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB), are common among South African miners due to long-term exposure to harmful dust and particles like coal and silica dust. Emphysema causes damage to the lungs, making it hard to breathe, while PTB is

What Do the 2023 GERMS-SA Findings Reveal About Disease Trends? For over two decades, GERMS-SA has led national laboratory surveillance in South Africa, tracking bacterial and fungal infections of public health importance. The programme enhances disease monitoring through laboratory reporting and sentinel site data collection. This includes antimicrobial resistance testing, serotyping, and whole genome sequencing

Why Is Congenital Syphilis Still a Concern in South Africa? Congenital syphilis (CS) refers to the mother-to-child transmission of syphilis (MTCTs) during pregnancy or childbirth. It occurs when a woman infected with Treponema pallidum—the bacteria that causes syphilis—becomes pregnant or when a pregnant woman acquires the infection during the pregnancy, and the infection remains undetected,

Why Is Meningococcal Disease on the Rise in South Africa? Meningococcal disease is endemic in South Africa. IMD episodes occur throughout the year, with seasonal increases in winter through spring. The causative bacterium Neisseria meningitidis colonises the human nasopharynx and is spread from person to person through respiratory droplets. The disease mostly occurs when the

What Insights Can We Draw from the 2009-2023 Enteric Virus Data in South Africa? Enteric viruses, which primarily impact the gastrointestinal tract, are a leading cause of illness among young children. Viruses like rotavirus, adenovirus, and norovirus spread easily through contaminated food, water, and close contact, often triggering widespread outbreaks, particularly in communities with limited