How consistent are antenatal HIV and syphilis results across data sources? Syphilis is a curable sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum (TP). Globally, about 7.1 million people were newly infected with TP and an estimated 200 000 deaths were due to syphilis in 2020. Syphilis can be transmitted from mother to […]
How do mosquito species and resistance trends impact malaria transmission? Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by parasites transmitted to humans through the bites of infected Anopheles mosquitoes. In South Africa, malaria transmission is seasonal and occurs mainly in the Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and KwaZulu-Natal provinces. Symptoms can range from fever, chills, and headaches to severe
Malaria vector surveillance in South Africa: 2023 update Read More »
What contributed to the measles outbreak in Mpumalanga? Measles is a highly infectious and potentially fatal acute viral disease that predominantly affects young children. It is characterised by fever and a maculopapular rash that typically appears 3–5 days after the onset of respiratory-like symptoms. Complications include diarrhoea, pneumonia, encephalitis, and death. Measles is vaccine-preventable. Despite
Investigation of a measles outbreak in Mpumalanga, South Africa (Nov 2022–Dec 2023) Read More »
How did a Cape Town restaurant become the source of a foodborne disease outbreak in February 2024? Foodborne diseases (FBD) are illnesses caused by eating contaminated food. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that globally, one in ten people, about 600 million individuals, fall ill from FBD every year, with 420,000 deaths. Low and middle-income
Is there a risk of mpox spreading from humans back to animals? Mpox is a zoonotic disease caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV). The virus is transmitted from animals to humans in endemic areas in central and western Africa. Although the natural ecology of MPXV remains to be elucidated, evidence points towards several rodent species
The risk of zooanthroponosis of mpox in South Africa Read More »
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
Tracking STI pathogens in South Africa: sentinel surveillance report 2021–2024 Read More »
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,
Tracking the Silent Spread: Enteric Pathogens in South Africa (2018–2023) Read More »
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,
Influenza Surveillance in South Africa: 2024 Report Read More »
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
Occupational Lung Disease Surveillance in South African Miners: 2021 Findings Read More »
| Address: | 1 Modderfontein Road Sandringham Johannesburg 2192 |
| Telephone: | +27 11 386 6400 |
The Public Health Bulletin South Africa (PHBSA) website is hosted by the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) and the National Institute for Occupational Health (NIOH), divisions of the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS). The PHBSA website is funded jointly by the NICD, the US CDC Foundation, and the Bloomberg Philanthropies Data for Health Initiative.
Copyright 2023 – All rights reserved.
Powered by Pii Digital
