NICD

Supporting Government's response to communicable disease threats - Reference Microbiology, Virology, Epidemiology, Surveillance, Public Health Research&Training

[NICD @nicd_sa]

From 2 May 2026 to 25 May 2026, a total of 11 cases had been identified (nine confirmed, and two probable cases), including three deaths. The cases involved multiple nationalities and included passengers evacuated to South Africa, Europe, Canada and other countries for clinical

[NICD @nicd_sa]

Dr Anban Pillay from the National Department of Health echoed these sentiments, stressing that South Africa is obligated under the International Health Regulations to conduct exercises of this nature to test and strengthen its preparedness and response capabilities.

[NICD @nicd_sa]

Some of the speakers this morning included the NICD’s Executive Director, Prof Nazir Ismail, who highlighted the importance of the exercise in strengthening preparedness and response planning for public health emergencies.

[NICD @nicd_sa]

The exercise aims to strengthen South Africa’s One Health preparedness and response capacity by testing and refining cross-sectoral coordination, communication, surveillance, epidemiology, and laboratory readiness.

[NICD @nicd_sa]

From today until Wednesday, the NICD, together with stakeholders including the national departments of health and agriculture, is hosting a tabletop simulation exercise on responding to an outbreak of avian influenza.

[NICD @nicd_sa]

In week 24 (8 June 2026 to 14 June 2026), from 237 samples tested, we detected 65 (27.4%) cases of influenza, 59 (24.9%) cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and 1 (0.4%) case of SARS-CoV-2.

For more insights, click on the link provided: https://t.co/g7YqMuEYzH

[NICD @nicd_sa]

Are you passionate about public health, disease surveillance, and outbreak response? Join our SAFETP programme and gain the skills and practical experience needed to detect, investigate, and respond to public health threats.
Apply here: https://t.co/UAHrZuilGj

[NICD @nicd_sa]

Today, we join the nation in commemorating Youth Day. We honour and celebrate the young people who continue to shape our country's future. Happy Youth Day, South Africa!

[NICD @nicd_sa]

In week 23 (1 June 2026 to 7 June 2026), from 171 samples tested, we detected 60 (35.1%) cases of influenza, 39 (22.8%) cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and 0 (0.0%) cases of SARS-CoV-2.

For more insights, click on the link provided: https://t.co/g7YqMuEYzH

[NICD @nicd_sa]

You can play a role in monitoring trends in respiratory illness by sharing your symptoms on our CoughWatchSA platform: https://t.co/FJO7Zsp61y

[NICD @nicd_sa]

Influenza can be spread from person-to-person by breathing in infected respiratory droplets from sneezing, coughing, or talking. A person can also get infected by touching contaminated objects or surfaces that the flu virus is on and then touching their mouth, eyes, or nose.

[NICD @nicd_sa]

If you are infected with influenza, you can prevent its spread by:
• Covering your mouth with a tissue when coughing or coughing into your elbow
• Wearing a mask
• Washing your hands frequently with soap and water or cleaning hands using an alcohol-based sanitiser

[NICD @nicd_sa]

Are you a pathologist looking for an exciting new career opportunity, including dual appointments with a university? If so, the NHLS is looking for you. Click the link below to view a range of vacancies available across South Africa. https://t.co/xvVJaNSels

[NICD @nicd_sa]

Good luck, Bafana Bafana!

The whole country is behind you as you take on today's World Cup tournament. Play your game, trust the process, and make us proud.

[NICD @nicd_sa]

Our latest review examines how South Africa can leverage AI to build more resilient and equitable public health systems, while addressing challenges such as data quality, infrastructure, and workforce capacity. Read the full study: https://t.co/mVNUT6KrwH

[NICD @nicd_sa]

Public health emergencies place enormous pressure on health systems, especially in resource-constrained settings.

[NICD @nicd_sa]

From outbreak detection to telemedicine and predictive analytics, artificial intelligence could help improve preparedness, response, and access to care in underserved communities.

[NICD @nicd_sa]

It is never too late to receive your vaccine, as long as the flu virus is circulating in the community. If you’d like to help us monitor trends in respiratory illness this flu season, visit our CoughWatchSA platform: https://t.co/lVdDPd7N3h

#RespiratoryDiseases #FluSeason

[NICD @nicd_sa]

Influenza is an acute respiratory illness caused by an infection of the respiratory tract with the influenza virus. Flu viruses are typically in circulation during the winter months in South Africa. The best way to prevent influenza is by receiving the influenza vaccine.

[NICD @nicd_sa]

The @SA_FETP is now accepting applications for its 2027 intake.

Qualified health professionals with an interest in public health and a commitment to public service are encouraged to apply. Click here to apply: https://t.co/mLIn1x1POe

[NICD @nicd_sa]

Healthcare workers should remain vigilant and maintain a high index of suspicion for individuals presenting with a fever and a recent travel history to affected countries. For the latest on the DRC and Uganda outbreak, click here: https://t.co/vR4mFdPonW

[NICD @nicd_sa]

As of 4 June, there have been no laboratory-confirmed cases of BVD in South Africa linked to the current outbreaks in the DRC and Uganda.