Death toll increases as Legionnaire’s diseases spreads in the US
A second person has died and over 50 others have fallen ill in a growing outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease in Harlem, New York.
Viral
Health for Dummies
Flesh-eating bacteria sparks outbreak fears in Southern USA
A rare but deadly flesh-eating bacteria is spreading in the Southern United States, raising concerns about possible outbreaks in warm freshwater environments.
News
Health Minister responds to misinformation on COVID-19 vaccine
During the fake interview, Abdool Karim is depicted as making claims that the COVID-19 vaccine is causing harm and resulting in fatalities.
News
Health Dept ban on cannabis-infused and hemp foods receives widespread backlash
Opposition parties and industry stakeholders have criticised the Health Department’s decision to ban cannabis-infused and hemp food products.
News
SAHPRA warns of increased brain tumour risk with specific contraceptive use
MPA-containing products registered in South Africa are Depo-Provera, Provera, Petogen, Medroxyprogesterone Mylan, Sayana, Omrastoz, Trivina, and Triclogyn.
News
HMPV outbreak in China is no danger to South Africa, UKZN professor assures
In severe cases, especially among vulnerable populations, HMPV can lead to lower respiratory tract infections such as bronchitis or pneumonia.
News
Christmas births dropped 22.6% in 2024: Here’s what the health department revealed
The department’s records for the past three years show a consistent decrease in Christmas Day births.
Lifestyle
World AIDS Day: A journey through history to current strategies in HIV prevention
Marking World AIDS Day, this comprehensive article takes you through the history, present efforts, and future strategies in HIV prevention and care.
News
Yaz Plus birth control recall – Here’s what you must know
The current mix-up could lead to unintended pregnancies, especially if users are unaware of the error.
News
Foodborne illnesses declared a national disaster in South Africa
Declaring foodborne illnesses a national disaster enables the government to marshal resources across departments to address the crisis comprehensively.
News
Illegal miners trapped in Stilfontein mine plead for ARVs
A handwritten note, believed to be from the miners, surfaced, detailing their urgent need for ARVs and raising concerns about their health.
News
Ramaphosa announces interventions to deal with ‘poisonous’ spaza shops
To address the crisis, Ramaphosa announced a comprehensive plan consisting of immediate, medium-term, and long-term measures:
Lifestyle
World Diabetes Day 2024: Exploring the ‘sneaky’ insipidus condition
On World Diabetes Day 2024, we highlight diabetes insipidus, a rare but impactful condition distinct from type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
News
Eastern Cape’s Elundini residents urged to be on high alert for rabies
This is after a donkey exhibiting signs of rabies, including aggression and unusual behaviour, was reported to have bitten several individuals, including a child, on Wednesday.
Cape Town Buzz
Gugulethu protesters demand update on new hospital
While most residents agree they desperately need a new hospital, some don’t want to lose a popular sports field.
News
Patients cross river and bush to get to nearest clinic
Eastern Cape Department of Health says there’s no budget to build a clinic for residents of Sicweza village just outside Flagstaff.
News
Enzani Primary School pupils hospitalised after consuming snacks
The children, aged between six and 12, complained of severe stomach pains shortly after eating the snacks.
News
Senegal beats South Africa to become first African country to receive WHO classification
Senegal becomes the first African country to receive WHO classification for its emergency medical team.
News
Marburg virus outbreak intensifies in Rwanda: Here’s everything we know
The Marburg virus, which belongs to the same family as the Ebola virus, is known for being highly virulent, causing hemorrhagic fever with a fatality rate of up to 88%.
Health for Dummies
New COVID-19 variant is spreading in Europe: Here’s everything we know
A more contagious COVID-19 variant, XEC, is spreading rapidly in Europe. Here’s what scientists and data from South Africa’s NICD reveal about the situation.
Health for Dummies
Mpox outbreak sparks pandemic fears as new countries report cases
The Mpox outbreak continues to spread, with the Philippines recently reporting its first case since December 2023.
Health for Dummies
Gonorrhoea is becoming resistant to antibiotics, health experts warn
According to the UK Health Security Agency, there has been a noticeable rise in ceftriaxone-resistant gonorrhoea infections, the first-line treatment for the infection.
News
World Health Organisation declares Mpox outbreak a global emergency
With the declaration of Mpox as a global emergency, there are growing concerns about how this will impact international travel, particularly for Africans.
Viral
Watch: French Paraplympian carries Olympic torch in exoskeleton
Kevin Piette, a 36-year-old tennis player, stunned the world as he walked with the Olympic torch in a robotic exoskeleton.
Health for Dummies
South Africans living in UK warned of deadly E. Coli oubtreak
An urgent health warning has been issued after an E.coli outbreak in the UK, linked to a nationally distributed food item. Here’s what we know.
Health for Dummies
Mpox outbreak sparks worry as cases increase: Here’s what you must know
An outbreak of Mpox is causing concern as the number of cases rises
News
What is the National Health Insurance Fund? – Here’s everything you must know
The National Health Insurance (NHI) Fund will, for better or worse, shape the future of healthcare in South Africa.
News
NHI(re) Us: Eastern Cape health workers picket for permanent posts [video]
As the NHI Bill promises healthcare for all, Eastern Cape health workers protest for promised job security.
News
Watch live: Cyril Ramaphosa signs NHI Bill into law [video]
President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to sign the controversial NHI Bill into law, on Wednesday. Watch the event live right here.
Health for Dummies
Health Dept recommends flu vaccine amid rise in respiratory infections
The flu season is expected to start in the next few weeks and the department is advising those at high risk to get the flu vaccine.