Latest news with #NICD
IOL News
2 days ago
- Health
- IOL News
Foodborne illness outbreak in Cape Town restaurant prompts calls for improved food safety
Environmental health inspections revealed issues including overstocking of cold storage and non-compliance with the "first-in, first-out" principle at a Cape Town restaurant. Image: Supplied Food handling practices and inadequate hygiene among staff members may have contributed to the spread of a foodborne disease (FBD) outbreak resulting in the closure of a Cape Town restaurant. The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) yesterday released the findings of an investigation into circumstances leading to 46 suspected cases of Shigella spp. or enteroinvasive Escherichia coli (EIEC) - closely related bacteria that cause gastroenteritis, or stomach flu, in humans. Shigella spp. is highly contagious and can result in asymptomatic infection to severe bloody diarrhoea. Fever, headache, malaise and vomiting are often the initial symptoms. The report details how on February 8, 2024, the Western Cape Provincial Communicable Disease Control Co-ordinator received a notification from the NICD concerning a potential FBD outbreak linked to a restaurant. 'At approximately 10pm, a general practitioner (GP) informed the NICD of two patients who had presented at his practice with severe diarrhoea and high temperatures. The patients reported that they were a party of five, all of whom had consumed prawns during dinner at (the) restaurant." Three of these patrons were admitted to private hospitals with gastrointestinal symptoms. The GP also informed the restaurant of the cases via email. The City Health Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) were informed on February 9, 2024, and an outbreak investigation and response was initiated. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ 'The outbreak investigation and response were conducted to confirm the existence of an outbreak, identify additional cases, identify the source of the outbreak, and implement control measures. On February 10, 2024, two of the hospitalised patients tested positive for Shigella spp./Enteroinvasive Escherichia coli (EIEC) using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing.' Overall, 46 suspected cases were identified: 12 staff members and 34 patrons. Clinical specimens (stool or rectal swabs) were collected from 49 individuals, and 33 tested positive for Shigella spp./Enteroinvasive Escherichia coli (EIEC) - 6 patrons and 27 staff members. Following the incident, an environmental health inspection was done. Ultimately researchers concluded that food handling practices and inadequate hygiene among staff members may have contributed to the spread of enteric pathogens during the outbreak. Environmental health inspections revealed issues including overstocking of cold storage and non-compliance with the "first-in, first-out" principle. While a definitive source of contamination could not be identified, contaminated food or a food handler was likely responsible. The closure of the restaurant and prompt public and environmental health actions prevented the occurrence of additional cases. Following investigations, several interventions were implemented, including retraining of staff members on food safety, chemical safety, and effective hand and personal hygiene. The restaurant was deep-cleaned and disinfected, researchers said. Lead investigator Janine Bezuidenhoudt said: 'Restaurants, tuck shops, and fast-food establishments can all be sources of these illnesses. I hope this study continues the conversation about the risk and importance of foodborne diseases and how they can be prevented. We urgently need national Shigella guidelines to guide outbreak responses. It is also crucial for individuals with foodborne illness to seek healthcare for proper diagnosis and treatment, including specimen collection.' Cape Times
The Star
10-07-2025
- Health
- The Star
Viruses are in the air with flu and RSV on the rise
Tracy-Lynn Ruiters | Published 6 hours ago As South Africans continue to experience the winter chill, the National Institute for Communicable Diseases ( NICD is urging citizens to stay informed, take precautions, and seek medical attention when necessary — especially as seasonal viruses remain active across the country. This comes as the 2025 influenza season in South Africa began four weeks earlier than in 2024, marking the earliest onset since 2010, according to pneumonia surveillance in public hospitals. Though transmission remains relatively low, the virus continues to circulate well into the winter months. NICD has confirmed that flu cases remain active across the country. During the week of 16–22 June, lab testing showed a positivity rate of 15.8% for influenza and 16.7% for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) — two of the most common respiratory viruses tracked during this time of year. RSV, which typically peaks in autumn, has shown a later-than-usual surge in 2025, with ongoing detection reported in national respiratory surveillance. It remains a particular concern for young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. Other viruses like SARS-CoV-2 — the virus responsible for Covid-19 — continue to be monitored, but are circulating at low levels. The NICD is also keeping a watchful eye on diseases like measles and rubella, though these are currently less widespread. The NICD reminds the public to stay alert for symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, and muscle aches — all common to flu and RSV. Covid-19 shares many of these symptoms but may also include the loss of smell or taste. Flu vaccines remain the best protection, particularly for high-risk individuals such as the elderly, pregnant women, people living with HIV, and those with chronic heart or lung disease. Although vaccines are typically administered before the start of winter, experts said it's not too late to get vaccinated and benefit from added protection during the colder months. The NICD also encourages simple but effective preventive habits: staying home when feeling sick, wearing masks in crowded indoor spaces, and maintaining good hand hygiene. These non-pharmaceutical interventions continue to play a critical role in reducing transmission, especially in vulnerable environments like schools, care homes, and hospitals. Professor Burtram Fielding, Dean of Science at Stellenbosch University and a molecular biologist specialising in human pathogens, says the typical respiratory viruses — influenza, RSV, and SARS-CoV-2 — remain the main concerns this winter. 'Typically respiratory viruses are the main cause of concern in winter since we are in close contact indoors and these viruses spread via respiratory droplets,' he explained. He emphasised the ongoing danger posed by seasonal influenza, noting, 'Seasonal influenza has always had a high mortality rate globally, so will always remain a concern.' Addressing the frequent emergence of new Covid-19 variants, Fielding said, 'It appears as though the public panics with the emergence and reporting of each new strain or variant of SARS-CoV-2. However, we need to keep in mind that variants or strains will appear frequently; when the virus infects a person and replicates in their body, the virus mutates.' 'Based on coronavirus history, I am still of the opinion that the new strains will result in easier spread between humans, but not necessarily into a deadlier virus.' He also warned of the risks posed by avian influenza. 'Once again this year, researchers are concerned about the possible jump of flu from birds to humans. Avian influenza H5N1 has a high mortality rate and could be a real problem if it successfully jumps to humans.' RSV and hMPV remain ongoing concerns, particularly for children, though Fielding added, 'Fortunately these viruses are not normally highly pathogenic.' Discussing zoonotic threats such as Mpox, he explained, 'Unfortunately with increased global travel, the continued sale of bush meat, and the expanding human population resulting in encroachment on wildlife habitats, there will always be a risk of viruses jumping from animals to humans.' Fielding also explained how the new phase of the Genomic Surveillance Project contribute towards research of viruses and the prevention. The project, a collaboration between the Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI) at Stellenbosch University and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), aims to upscale the monitoring and analysis of genetic information from pathogens that pose a threat to public health. "Early identification of viruses is extremely important. It should allow us to better prepare for potential pandemics... and develop medical and pharmaceutical interventions much earlier, minimising the impact of an outbreak,' Fielding said. [email protected] Weekend Argus
IOL News
10-07-2025
- Health
- IOL News
Viruses are in the air with flu and RSV on the rise
Influenza is on the NICD's watchlist Image: File As South Africans continue to experience the winter chill, the National Institute for Communicable Diseases ( NICD is urging citizens to stay informed, take precautions, and seek medical attention when necessary — especially as seasonal viruses remain active across the country. This comes as the 2025 influenza season in South Africa began four weeks earlier than in 2024, marking the earliest onset since 2010, according to pneumonia surveillance in public hospitals. Though transmission remains relatively low, the virus continues to circulate well into the winter months. NICD has confirmed that flu cases remain active across the country. During the week of 16–22 June, lab testing showed a positivity rate of 15.8% for influenza and 16.7% for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) — two of the most common respiratory viruses tracked during this time of year. RSV, which typically peaks in autumn, has shown a later-than-usual surge in 2025, with ongoing detection reported in national respiratory surveillance. It remains a particular concern for young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. Other viruses like SARS-CoV-2 — the virus responsible for Covid-19 — continue to be monitored, but are circulating at low levels. The NICD is also keeping a watchful eye on diseases like measles and rubella, though these are currently less widespread. The NICD reminds the public to stay alert for symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, and muscle aches — all common to flu and RSV. Covid-19 shares many of these symptoms but may also include the loss of smell or taste. Flu vaccines remain the best protection, particularly for high-risk individuals such as the elderly, pregnant women, people living with HIV, and those with chronic heart or lung disease. Although vaccines are typically administered before the start of winter, experts said it's not too late to get vaccinated and benefit from added protection during the colder months. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading The NICD also encourages simple but effective preventive habits: staying home when feeling sick, wearing masks in crowded indoor spaces, and maintaining good hand hygiene. These non-pharmaceutical interventions continue to play a critical role in reducing transmission, especially in vulnerable environments like schools, care homes, and hospitals. Professor Burtram Fielding, Dean of Science at Stellenbosch University and a molecular biologist specialising in human pathogens, says the typical respiratory viruses — influenza, RSV, and SARS-CoV-2 — remain the main concerns this winter. 'Typically respiratory viruses are the main cause of concern in winter since we are in close contact indoors and these viruses spread via respiratory droplets,' he explained. He emphasised the ongoing danger posed by seasonal influenza, noting, 'Seasonal influenza has always had a high mortality rate globally, so will always remain a concern.' Addressing the frequent emergence of new Covid-19 variants, Fielding said, 'It appears as though the public panics with the emergence and reporting of each new strain or variant of SARS-CoV-2. However, we need to keep in mind that variants or strains will appear frequently; when the virus infects a person and replicates in their body, the virus mutates.' 'Based on coronavirus history, I am still of the opinion that the new strains will result in easier spread between humans, but not necessarily into a deadlier virus.' He also warned of the risks posed by avian influenza. 'Once again this year, researchers are concerned about the possible jump of flu from birds to humans. Avian influenza H5N1 has a high mortality rate and could be a real problem if it successfully jumps to humans.' RSV and hMPV remain ongoing concerns, particularly for children, though Fielding added, 'Fortunately these viruses are not normally highly pathogenic.' Discussing zoonotic threats such as Mpox, he explained, 'Unfortunately with increased global travel, the continued sale of bush meat, and the expanding human population resulting in encroachment on wildlife habitats, there will always be a risk of viruses jumping from animals to humans.' Fielding also explained how the new phase of the Genomic Surveillance Project contribute towards research of viruses and the prevention. The project, a collaboration between the Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI) at Stellenbosch University and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), aims to upscale the monitoring and analysis of genetic information from pathogens that pose a threat to public health. "Early identification of viruses is extremely important. It should allow us to better prepare for potential pandemics... and develop medical and pharmaceutical interventions much earlier, minimising the impact of an outbreak,' Fielding said. Weekend Argus
The Citizen
09-07-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
New Covid-19 variant: Public urged to remain calm
The National Department of Health has urged South Africans to not be concerned about the new Covid-19 variant, known as NB.1.8.1, which has mostly been detected in Asia. According to the department spokesperson, Foster Mohale, the department and the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) are working closely to monitor and detect any possible infections in the country. Currently, no cases of the new variant have been reported in South Africa. ALSO READ: Business seminar uplifts youth in Pienaar 'There is no need for the public to panic, as current data on this variant does not suggest any increased public health risk. However, people are urged to remain vigilant at all times and continue to observe non-pharmaceutical interventions such as regular handwashing with soap and water, and sanitising hands and surfaces,' said Mohale. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
IOL News
04-07-2025
- Health
- IOL News
Beat the bug: your guide to surviving flu season in South Africa
Taking natural remedies can help soothe symptoms of flu especially if you're feeling under the weather. This seasonal increase has drawn significant attention to the influenza virus, its various types, symptoms, and the measures we can take to protect ourselves during the colder months. The South African Medical Association is expressing concern about a significant increase in flu cases as winter 's icy grip takes hold of South Africa. What is influenza? The National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) defines influenza, commonly referred to as the flu, as an acute respiratory illness caused by an infection of the respiratory tract. The flu is not just a simple cold; it can lead to severe health complications, especially in vulnerable populations such as the elderly, young children, and those with pre-existing health conditions. Two primary types of influenza circulate among humans: Type A and Type B. Influenza A is particularly concerning this season, with subtypes A(H1N1)pdm09 and A(H3N2) being the most prevalent. The A(H1N1)pdm09 subtype is often recognised as "swine flu", a term that can evoke anxiety among the public, especially when reports suggest that the virus is spreading rapidly. However, medical professionals reassure the public that this strain behaves similarly to other seasonal influenza viruses, and infected individuals should be treated as they would for any typical case of flu. Importantly, no specific public health interventions are necessary for contact with patients infected with the virus. Understanding the spread of influenza Flu is highly infectious and can spread easily from person to person. Transmission primarily occurs through the inhalation of infected respiratory droplets released when an infected individual sneezes, coughs, or even talks. It is also possible to contract the virus by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the mouth, eyes, or nose. This highlights the importance of hygiene practices, particularly during the flu season. To further understand the spread of the virus, it is essential to note that the flu can be transmitted even before symptoms appear. This asymptomatic transmission makes it challenging to control outbreaks, as individuals may unknowingly spread the virus to others. Therefore, maintaining good hygiene practices and being aware of the symptoms is crucial in curbing the spread of influenza.
