Main health risks for South Africa

Diseases transmitted by insects or animals

Some zones remain hit by malaria, particularly the provinces of Mpumalanga, Limpopo and Kwazulu-Natal, close to the borders with Mozambique, Swaziland and Zimbabwe, including Park Kruger. Strains are highly resistant to chloroquine (zone 3).

From February to September 2010, 238 human cases of Rift Valley fever (26 lethal) were reported. On February 2011, after several months of inactivity, the virus reemerged in South Africa (Northern Cape and Eastern Cape). Rift Valley fever affects primarily livestock. The virus can be transmitted either by mosquito bites or by the consumption of products coming from infected animals (milk and meat). In severe cases, patients may develop hemorrhagic fever.

In October 2008, a new virus from Arenaviridae family has been discovered. This virus caused three deaths among people from Zambia and South Africa. The Arenaviridae are a family of viruses whose members are generally associated with rodent-transmitted disease in humans; they cause severe illnesses such as Lassa hemorrhagic fever. Travelers are advised not to walk barefoot.

There are cases of animal rabies in the country.

Diseases transmitted by food, water or through the environment

Gastric diseases are common among tourists who are not accustomed to local food or who do not take precautions.

In October 2008, a cholera outbreak occurred in South Africa. There has been a total of 8100 cases in the country since October 2008. Among them, 4165 cases occurred in Mpumalanga (30 deaths). Second was Limpopo, with 3680 cases and 20 deaths. There has also been 234 cases in Gauteng, with 3 deaths. Less affected provinces were Western Cape (9 cases, 1 death), North West (7 cases), KwaZulu-Natal (2 cases, 1 death), Eastern Cape (1 case), Free State (1 case) and Northern Cape (1 case).

Due to the risk of schistosomiasis, travelers are advised not to bathe in fresh waters (lake, rivers).

Diseases transmitted by contact with infected people

HIV is highly prevalent ; according to UNAIDS, 18.1% of the adult population (15-49) is HIV-positive. HIV is regularly associated with an increase in tuberculosis cases; an over-resistant tuberculosis strain has been detected in Kwazulu-Natal, in Durban in the Gauteng, around Johannesburg.

Since August 2009, a measles outbreak hits South Africa. The outbreak started in Gauteng and then spread to other regions. The province of Gauteng has been hardest hit, reporting 4,359 cases as of February 11th, 2010. In September 2009, the disease spread to all areas of Johannesburg. Cases are also reported in KwaZulu-Natal province , North-West province, Eastern and Western Cape. Measles is an infectious disease transmitted through contact with the nose and throat discharges of an infected person, for instance when an infected person sneezes or coughs. The disease mainly affects young children and remains a leading cause of infant mortality. Symptoms of measles are high temperature, skin eruptions, pimples, sore eyes and cough. An efficient vaccine exists against the disease.