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What Can We Learn from Odyssean Malaria Cases in South Africa Over the Last Decade? Odyssean malaria is caused by malaria parasite-infected mosquitoes that have inadvertently travelled to non-malarious areas via various transport mechanisms (sea, air, rail, road). A person/s bitten by such a mosquito may result in a case/s of malaria in the absence

What are the Emerging Trends in Bacterial and Fungal Infections? Bacterial and fungal infections are illnesses caused by harmful bacteria and fungi invading the body, leading to a range of health issues. These infections can be mild or severe and can affect various parts of the body. For example, Streptococcus pneumoniae causes pneumonia, a serious

What Insights Does the Surveillance of Viral Haemorrhagic Fevers in South Africa Offer? Viral haemorrhagic fevers (VHFs) are a group of illnesses caused by RNA viruses that can lead to severe bleeding, organ failure, and even death. These viruses belong to different families and are associated with specific geographic regions, making them significant public health

How Did Malaria Cases Evolve During the 2022-2023 Season? Malaria is a dangerous illness transmitted by certain species of mosquitoes, primarily in tropical regions, posing a significant threat to human health. The disease is caused by a parasite and does not spread directly between individuals. Malaria symptoms can range from mild, such as fever, chills,

Is the Antenatal HIV Sentinel Survey Unveiling a Shift in HIV Trends?  HIV, known as the human immunodeficiency virus, targets the body’s infection-fighting cells, weakening its ability to combat illnesses. Transmission occurs through contact with specific bodily fluids, notably during unprotected intercourse or the sharing of injection drug tools. Without treatment, HIV can progress to

Where Does South Africa Stand in the Battle Against Influenza?  Influenza, also known as “flu”, is an acute respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses. Primarily, influenza spreads through respiratory droplets which you breathe in or get from contaminated surfaces. The most common seasonal influenza strains in South Africa are influenza A(H3N2), A(H1N1)pdm09, and influenza B.