Bronkhorstspruit water crisis leaves 408 sick near Pretoria
The Bronkhorstspruit water crisis has left 408 people sick near Pretoria, most of them children under four.
Latest in Virus & Diseases
Health
Ebola outbreak in Congo becomes the fastest-growing ever
The Ebola outbreak in Congo is now the fastest-growing on the continent, with more than 700 dead and 80% of new cases untraceable by health teams.
Health
Cyclospora outbreak spreads across 31 US states
A cyclospora outbreak has spread to 31 US states with more than 3,000 cases, as investigators race to find the contaminated food behind the parasite surge.
Health
France confirms first Ebola case on its territory
France has confirmed its first Ebola case, a doctor back from the DR Congo, the first infection detected outside Africa in the current outbreak.
Technology
OpenAI model helps diagnose 18 rare disease cases
OpenAI's rare disease model helped doctors confirm 18 previously unsolved childhood diagnoses in a study published on 18 June 2026.
Viral News
American doctor tests positive for Ebola in Congo
American doctor Peter Stafford has tested positive for Ebola in the DRC as the US implements travel restrictions from affected countries.
News
Hantavirus cruise ship outbreak: MV Hondius latest update
A Canadian passenger from the MV Hondius tested positive for hantavirus as the cruise ship outbreak that killed three people continues to unfold globally.
News
WHO declares Ebola emergency in Congo and Uganda
WHO declares the Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda a global health emergency amid 80 suspected deaths and no approved vaccine for the rare Bundibugyo strain.
Health
South Africa: 97 contacts traced as British patient gradually improves
South Africa is tracing 97 possible hantavirus contacts linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship. Here is what the Department of Health has confirmed.
Health
Hantavirus patient on artificial lung as cruise ship outbreak reaches 11 cases
A French woman from the MV Hondius hantavirus outbreak is on an artificial lung in Paris as the case count reaches 11.
Health
Three dead in hantavirus outbreak aboard cruise ship as British patient is treated in Johannesburg
Three passengers have died in a hantavirus outbreak on the MV Hondius cruise ship. A British patient is critically ill in Johannesburg as the ship sits anchored off Cape Verde.
News
Marburg virus outbreak in Ethiopia: death toll climbs as US steps in to help
The Marburg virus outbreak in Ethiopia has killed at least eight people in the south of the country, as US-backed teams race to contain it.
Viral News
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.
Health
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.
International
Justin Timberlake reveals battle with Lyme disease — What it means and why it matters
Justin Timberlake has confirmed he has been diagnosed with Lyme disease, a bacterial infection spread by ticks.
Health
Chikungunya virus infection spikes globally — South African travellers urged to take precautions
A new rise in chikungunya virus infections has prompted global concern, with health officials warning travellers — including South Africans — to protect themselves from mosquito bites.
News
Donald Trump reacts to Joe Biden’s prostate cancer diagnosis
Donald Trump has offered well-wishes to Joe Biden following the former president’s diagnosis with advanced prostate cancer, which has spread to his bones.
Health
New light therapy offers hope for Parkinson’s patients struggling with memory and mood
A clinical trial has found that near-infrared light therapy could help improve memory and mood in people living with Parkinson’s disease.
Health
Recent Myeloma study found promising results in this combo treatment
A recent study on relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma patients in China tested two drug combinations and found one offered a higher response rate with manageable side effects.
Health
Malaria scorecard: battles have been won and advances made, but the war isn’t over
World Malaria Day is marked on 25 April. What progress has been made against the disease, where are the gaps and what’s being done to plug them?
News
Rise of hand, foot and mouth disease cases spark fears of KZN school closures
KZN schools report a surge in hand, foot and mouth disease cases, with 195 infections confirmed. Health authorities urge hygiene measures to curb the outbreak.
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.
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
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
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.
International
Hydeia Broadbent dies: Cause of death, biography, reactions
Hydeia Broadbent, a courageous AIDS activist who passed away at 39.
Health
What is Disease X and why are scientists speculating about it? – Here’s everything we know
Science labs are already developing vaccines for a 'hypothetical' Disease X, said to be 20 times more fatal than COVID-19.
Health
China downplays seriousness of new respiratory outbreak
In response to WHO inquiries, China identifies no novel pathogens in recent respiratory outbreak.
