How has antenatal care HIV and syphilis surveillance evolved, and what comes next? Antenatal care (ANC) services provide convenient access to healthy women who are sexually active and can serve as a proxy for the general population with respect to HIV surveillance. Since 1990, South Africa has conducted antenatal care HIV and syphilis sentinel surveillance […]
How can One Health surveillance reveal hidden trends in human and animal cases? Rabies, endemic in South Africa, is a fatal viral infection affecting livestock, wildlife, domestic animals, and humans through direct zoonotic exposure. Although rabies has been reported in numerous mammalian species, most human infections are associated with contact with rabid domestic dogs. Traditional
One Health surveillance report for rabies in South Africa (2021–2023) Read More »
What insights can whole-genome sequencing provide during foodborne disease investigations? Salmonella enterica serotype Enteritidis (Salmonella Enteritidis) remains a leading cause of foodborne disease outbreaks globally and continues to pose a public health challenge in South Africa. Non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) infections account for a substantial proportion of foodborne illnesses worldwide, with the World Health Organization estimating
How effectively are rifampicin-resistant TB patients in Gauteng linked to care and initiated on treatment? Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis that primarily affects the lungs but can spread to other parts of the body. Common symptoms include a persistent cough, fever, night sweats, and weight loss. Without timely diagnosis
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 »
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 »
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