What is Sindbis fever? Summary of diseaseSindbis fever is a febrile arthritis caused by infection with the Sindbis virus. Sindbis virus is an arbovirus that is transmitted to humans and other vertebrates via the Culex mosquitoes from birds, their normal reservoir. Sindbis fever occurs in Africa, Oceania and Eurasia. SymptomsSindbis fever is usually self-limiting with […]
What are Sexually transmitted infections (or STIs)? Sexually transmitted infections (or STIs) are infections that can be caught or passed on when you have unprotected sex, or close sexual contact, with another person who already has an STI. Using a condom for all types of sex is the best way to avoid STIs and HIV.
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What is Schistosomiasis? Schistosomiasis, also known as bilharzia, is a disease caused by parasitic worms. There are two forms of the disease, namely intestinal schistosomiasis caused by Schistosoma mansoni and S. japonicum, and urinary schistosomiasis caused by S. haematobium. Less commonly, S. mekongi and S. intercalatum also cause disease in humans. Infection with Schistosomes may
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What is Scarlet fever? Scarlet fever is a bacterial illness that mainly affects children. It causes a distinctive pink-red rash. The illness is caused by Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria, also known as group A streptococcus, which are found on the skin and in the throat. All specimens that are sent to the Centre for Respiratory Diseases
What is Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)? Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a serious form of pneumonia. It is caused by a virus that was first identified in 2003. Infection with the SARS virus causes acute respiratory distress (severe breathing difficulty) and sometimes death. All specimens that are sent to the Centre for Respiratory
What is Salmonellosis? Salmonella infection, or salmonellosis, is a foodborne illness caused by infection with Salmonella bacteria. Most infections spread to people through contaminated food (usually meat, poultry, eggs, or milk). The incubation period ranges from several hours to two days. Most salmonella infections can be classified as stomach flu (gastroenteritis). Salmonellosis in Publications Bulletin August 2014 Bulletin August
What is Rabies? Rabies is a viral infection of the nervous system. The disease is reported in different wild and domestic animal species, but most cases of rabies in South Africa involve domestic dogs. Human rabies cases are rare in South Africa but cases are still confirmed annually. Humans are exposed to rabies through bites
What is Rubella? Rubella, or German measles, is an infectious disease caused by the rubella virus. It is usually a mild disease in children and adults but can have serious consequences in pregnant women by infecting their unborn babies and causing congenital rubella syndrome. Rubella in Publications Bulletin October 2019 Bulletin September 2018 Bulletin March
What is Rotavirus? Rotavirus infection is a viral infection caused by a rotavirus. It is the leading cause of severe diarrhoea in children under 5 years worldwide. In South Africa, rotavirus infections peak during the winter months. Rotavirus Infection in Publications Bulletin November 2014 Bulletin June 2013 Bulletin August 2012 Bulletin March 2011 Bulletin March
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What is Pediculus captis (Head Lice? Lice is an infection of the hair and skin of humans with arthropods (insects) called Pediculus capitis (head lice), Pediculus humanus (body), and Phthiris pubis (pubic lice). Head and body lice have slightly different appearances when viewed under a microscope, and display different behaviour patterns, but are genetically identical. Head lice lay nits on the
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