Latest news with #NICD
The Citizen
14 hours ago
- Health
- The Citizen
Swine Flu has many in bed in eMalahleni
Look after yourself, Swine Flu has taken hold of eMalahleni. Doctors' rooms are full, and pharmacists are running around trying to fill everyone's prescriptions. More than 10 years after the 2009 pandemic, Swine Flu, officially called Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09, continues to appear in South Africa during the cold, dry winter months. Though many people now think of it as just another seasonal illness, health experts warn that it can still be serious, especially for those at higher risk. Professor Cheryl Cohen, a South African expert in respiratory viruses, explained, 'Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 is one of the three main types of seasonal flu. Even though it originally came from pigs, the version we see today spreads easily from one person to another and is fully adapted to humans.' Since the 2009 outbreak, H1N1 has become a regular part of the flu season. The symptoms are like a strong cold: fever, chills, body aches, tiredness, and a dry cough. But in some people, the illness can quickly get worse. 'It can cause serious problems like pneumonia,' said Cohen. 'Most people get better, but people with other health problems or weak immune systems are much more likely to end up in hospital or worse.' People most at risk include the elderly, young children, those with heart or lung diseases, and individuals with compromised immune systems, especially people living with HIV/AIDS. In communities where access to healthcare is limited, the virus can become life-threatening. The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) urges people, especially those in high-risk groups, to get vaccinated annually. The flu vaccine, which includes protection against H1N1, is available at public health clinics and private pharmacies across the country. It is free for children, the elderly, and people with chronic conditions at government clinics. Simple preventive measures can make a big difference: Get vaccinated every year. Wash your hands regularly. Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing. Avoid close contact with sick individuals. Stay home if you are unwell. Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen. Local resident Renate Viljoen, who is currently recovering from the flu, said, 'It started with body aches and a fever, and I thought it was nothing. But by the next day, I could hardly get out of bed. People must not wait; go to the clinic early.' Breaking news at your fingertips … Follow WITBANK NEWS our website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or TikTok Chat to us: info@ At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Eyewitness News
12-06-2025
- Health
- Eyewitness News
Flu season started in March, confirms NICD
CAPE TOWN - The National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) confirmed that flu season started on 24 March with patients being admitted for pneumonia. The NICD reported that, historically, this year's flu season arrived earlier than past seasons. Health officials advised the public to wash their hands regularly, cover coughs and sneezes and to avoid contact with people at risk of respiratory illnesses. Western Cape Health Department COO, Saadiq Kariem, said that transmission of the flu was currently low. "And so they do monitory of all the flu variants and what they found so far in fact since the 30th of December 2024 to the first of June 2025, of the samples tested, they found that there were 9.5% of cases were influenza but they also do monitoring of other respiratory pathogens and so they found that 16% of those cases were in fact RSV or respiratory syncytial virus and 3.5% of those cases were in fact from SARS CoV2." Kariem added that regular vaccinations provided a defence against the virus. "But this is why it's important to vaccinate every year, because the variants change all the time, much like we've obviously people understand how the SARSCoV2 virus has changed all the time." He detailed the types of influenza variants that had been detected this winter season. "So the flu virus changes all the time, every season, and most of the cases this far are from influenza A and the subtype is H3N2, but the NICD also picked up influenza A, H1N1 and a small amount of cases have been influenza B."
The Citizen
11-06-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
New Covid-19 variant NB.1.8.1 spreading, what to expect in SA
Speaking at the G20 Health Working Group on Tuesday, Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi said South Africa is well prepared to respond. As the new Covid-19 variant spreads across China, South Africa is closely monitoring the Omicron descendant, NB.1.8.1, as health authorities prepare for its potential arrival. According to the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), as of Tuesday, 10 June 2025, the NB.1.8.1 variant has not been detected in South Africa. 'Data from the NICD's respiratory illness syndromic surveillance programmes, which operate in selected public and private hospitals and outpatient facilities, show that the number of SARS-CoV-2 infections is currently low,' it said. However, the country is experiencing a rise in influenza (flu) cases due to the onset of the cold season. 'South Africa is well prepared' Speaking at the G20 Health Working Group in Johannesburg on Tuesday, Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi said South Africa is well prepared to respond. 'I wish to reassure this esteemed gathering that South Africa has robust surveillance systems in place. 'Our NICD manages a comprehensive sentinel surveillance programme that systematically tests for key respiratory viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and RSV. Currently, our data show very low SARS-CoV-2 activity,' Motsoaledi explained. ALSO READ: Fizz away colds and flu with newly-launched Cepacol raspberry effervescent Furthermore, the minister said that the updated recommendations for SARS-CoV-2 remain effective. 'Crucially, the new variant remains a descendant of the Omicron lineage. Therefore, at this stage, no specific new public health actions are required from the public,' he said. Flu season Motsoaledi said the government continues to promote good hygiene practices, including hand washing, covering coughs, and staying home when feeling unwell. 'These simple measures are effective in reducing the spread of all respiratory illnesses. We will continue to monitor the situation closely through our established networks and will report any significant changes.' During flu season, the NICD reminded the public to practice hand and respiratory hygiene, as well as cover coughs and sneezes. 'Individuals who are unwell with respiratory symptoms should practice regular hand washing, cover coughs and sneezes, and avoid contact with people who may be at high risk of severe respiratory illness,' it urged. NOW READ: Why a flu jab is still the smartest thing you can do this winter
TimesLIVE
11-06-2025
- Health
- TimesLIVE
Health teams are monitoring Covid's ‘Nimbus' variant
South Africa is closely monitoring the emergence of a new Covid-19 variant, known as Nimbus or NB.1.8.1, the national health department says. This comes after the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) said NB.1.8.1 has an Omicron-descendent lineage and was first detected in January in Asia, and was designated a variant under monitoring by the World Health Organisation (WHO) on May 23. The NB.1.8.1 variant is increasing in prevalence globally, from 2.5% of sequences submitted to the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data between March 31 to April 6 to 10.7% in epidemiological week April 21 to 27. By May 18, it had been detected in 22 countries, and has been associated with an increase in SARS-CoV-2 infections in parts of Asia, the NICD said. Covid vaccines are expected to provide protection against severe illness due to NB.1.8.1 infections and the WHO considers the public health risk of NB.1.8.1 to be low. As of June 10, the NB.1.8.1 variant has not been detected in SA, the NICD said, with the caveat that SARS-CoV-2 testing throughout the country is limited and few specimens are being submitted for sequencing. However, data from the NICD's respiratory illness syndromic surveillance programmes, which operate in selected public and private hospitals and outpatient facilities, show the number of SARS-CoV-2 infections is low. The country is seeing an increase in influenza cases due to the winter season. The NICD advised those who are unwell with respiratory symptoms to practice regular hand washing, cover coughs and sneezes and avoid contact with people who may be at high risk of severe respiratory illness.
Eyewitness News
11-06-2025
- Health
- Eyewitness News
Health minister urges continuous safety and hygiene measures as new Covid variant is detected in Asia
CAPE TOWN - Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi is urging the public to continue regular hygiene and safety measures amid a new Covid variant detected in Asia. Speaking at the 4th G20 health working group meeting held in Johannesburg on Tuesday the minister detailed that the new Covid variant has only been detected in parts of Asia. The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) said there are no signs of an increase in severity or different symptoms. Motsoaledi said that they will continue to monitor the variant closely and report any significant changes. "At this stage, no specific new public health actions are required from the public. But we continue to advocate for maintaining good hygiene practices such as hand washing, covering coughs and staying home when unwell. These simple measures are effective in reducing the spread of all respiratory illnesses,' said Motsoaledi. Meanwhile, the NICD has confirmed that the new covid variant hasn't been detected in South Africa. The variant was first detected in January this year under the name nb.1.8.1. The NICD said while there are no recorded cases in the country testing of the variant is limited and few specimens are being submitted for sequencing. "The WHO has designated this variant under monitoring due to its growing presence. I wish to reassure the esteemed gathering that South Africa has robust surveillance systems in place. Our National Institute for Communicable Diseases known as NICD manages a comprehensive sentinel surveillance programme that systematically tests for key respiratory viruses including covid-19 influenza and the respiratory syncytial virus," said Motsoaledi.
