Latest News & Developments
centers for disease control and prevention
War in Congo heightens risk of infectious diseases for millions
Violence disrupts disease prevention efforts, leaving millions vulnerable to deadly infections.
Northern Cape ranks as the second-lowest with HIV prevalence rate, survey reports
This translates to an estimated 120 000 people living with HIV (PLHIV) in the province, which is 21 000 more than in 2017.
Drug users exacerbating spread of HIV and hepatitis C, survey reports
The survey was conducted between May and September 2023 across four cities in the country – Tshwane (Gauteng), eThekwini (KwaZulu-Natal), Mbombela and Mashishing in Mpumalanga.
‘Summertime surge’ in US Covid cases
The current surge has surpassed last summer’s heights and continues to increase, as extreme heat forces people to stay indoors, where the virus spreads more easily and as many precautions have largely been abandoned.
Autism month: awareness, treatment and inclusive education
THE month of April kicked off by celebrating and building awareness of autistic children for World Autism Month. World Autism Day was commemorated on April 2.
National HIV survey: 7. 8 million South Africans living with HIV, concerns raised over no condom trend among youth
HIV prevalence also varied geographically, ranging from 8% in the Western Cape Province to 22% in KwaZulu-Natal Province.
WHO designates new Covid-19 ‘variant under monitoring’
Recently, the latest variant, EG. 5 (also known as Eris), had grabbed the attention of public health experts around the world
Anxious mom told to stop breastfeeding her newborn on international flight
During her TUI flight from Manchester in the United Kingdom to Almería, Spain, on July 30, Chelsea Williams says cabin crew asked her to stop breastfeeding her baby.
Study challenges use of Body Mass Index, warns obesity more widespread than realised
The findings further suggest that one-third of people currently considered of normal-weight are actually obese.
WATCH: Doctor explains why he doesn’t eat raw oysters - and his reason might freak you out
Raw oysters can be a breeding ground for bacteria that leads to a flesh-eating disease.
SA retailer launches online tool that recommends supplements specifically for you
How do you know which supplements you need to start using?
Most baby formula health claims not backed by science, study finds
The study comes a week after a group of doctors and scientists called for a regulatory crackdown on the $55-billion baby formula industry for ‘predatory’ marketing.
Before ‘The Last of Us’, an international team charted the threat of killer fungi. This is what they found
In real-life laboratories, hospitals and public health units across the world, researchers have been warning about the rise of potentially deadly fungal infections for years.
New variant XBB. 1. 5 is ‘most transmissible’ yet and could fuel Covid-19 wave, warn experts
The World Health Organization is monitoring XBB. 1. 5 because of how quickly it has supplanted other sub-variants.
Covid-19 travel restrictions against Chinese travellers 'discriminatory,’ says state media
The United States have raised concerns about potential mutations of the virus as it sweeps through the world's most populous country.
Spike in whooping cough cases among children younger than five
The NICD advised clinicians to be on the alert and to conduct diagnostic testing to ensure notification of cases on the Notifiable Medical Conditions app.
WHO considers renaming Monkeypox in order to destigmatize the virus
The decision follows growing pressure from Biden officials, who privately asked WHO to change the name.
Why is there such a thirst among influencers for ‘raw water’?
People are shunning tap and bottled water in favour of a refreshing glass of untreated spring water, also known as ‘raw’ or ‘unprocessed’ water.
All major cruise lines to allow unvaccinated travellers
Depending on the company, vaccinations may be required for sailings that last more than 16 days or visit ports of call with additional requirements.
It’s just a storm, you say? But here’s why it’s not safe to shower during a thunderstorm
Globally, about 24 000 people are killed by lightning and another 240 000 are injured each year.
‘My teen says they’re non-binary. How do we know it isn’t a phase?’
Meghan Leahy helps the parent of a teenager navigate new waters after daughter identifies as being non-binary.
US tourist dies at Bahamas resort after quarantining in his room for Covid-19
An official in the public affairs department said the man died after suffering a seizure and had been quarantining in his room since testing positive on Saturday.
Why has polio been found in London, New York and Jerusalem and how dangerous is it?
Polio is spreading in London, New York and Jerusalem for the first time in decades.
US identifies 1st cases of monkeypox in children
Two cases of the rare viral disease have been identified in children, media reports said, citing the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
WHO deciding on sounding highest alarm on monkeypox
A surge in monkeypox infections has been reported since early May outside the West and Central African countries where the disease has long been endemic.