NICD reports 10 travel-related cases of Chikungunya virus
JOHANNESBURG - The NICD has confirmed 10 travel-related cases of Chikungunya Virus in the country so far this year.
It's caused a public health crisis in China with over 7-thousand infected.
The mosquito-borne virus is spreading rapidly through Guangdong province.
First detected in Tanzania in 1952, it causes fever and severe joint pain that can last for years.
Prof Tulio de Oliveira, from the Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation at Stellenbosch University, shares more details in the video above.
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Rooibos, in particular, has grown in popularity as more women ditch high-caffeine, sugar-loaded drinks in favour of something gentler and more nourishing. 'Rooibos is more than just a traditional herbal tisane; it's a wellness companion for women at every stage of life,' says Professor Elmarie Terblanche of Stellenbosch University's Department of Exercise, Sport and Lifestyle Medicine. 'It's natural, caffeine-free composition aligns with women's evolving health needs, whether they're in school, navigating motherhood or managing menopause.' And it's not just anecdotal. A 2023 study in the Journal of Public Health in Africa found rooibos significantly improved lipid profiles, antioxidant status, and blood glucose control across a wide age range (6 to 83 years), including high-risk individuals. 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. 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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 ✕ Research from prominent researchers highlights Rooibos' capacity to combat oxidative stress linked to chronic illnesses. Image: Nadin Sh/pexels From childhood to menopause Here's how rooibos supports women's health at every life stage: Girls (6–12 years) Rich in antioxidants for healthy development. Naturally sweet, no caffeine, low tannins, perfect for little ones. Doesn't interfere with iron absorption, which is vital during growth spurts. Teens and young women (13–25 years) Anti-inflammatory effects may ease menstrual discomfort. Helps with hydration and focus during exams or sports. Healthier swap for sugary sodas or hyper-caffeinated energy drinks. Women of reproductive age (26–40 years) Considered safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding (always check with your doctor). Supports heart health, blood sugar balance, and energy regulation. Caffeine-free means no spikes and crashes. Midlife and menopausal women (41–60+ years) Active compounds, such as aspalathin and nothofagin, assist in metabolic support. May reduce symptoms like hot flushes and fatigue. Supports cardiovascular wellness and helps reduce inflammation. Rooibos vs the world While South Africa celebrates its iconic rooibos, other cultures have their own wellness brews, and it's worth noting how they compare. Green tea in East Asia: Loved for centuries in China and Japan, green tea is known for its catechins, powerful antioxidants that promote fat burning and protect the brain. But green tea contains caffeine, which is not ideal for those sensitive to it. Masala Chai in India: This spiced tea blend combines black tea with cinnamon, cardamom, ginger and cloves, all known for their digestive and anti-inflammatory benefits. However, it often comes with milk and sugar, which can outweigh its health perks if overdone. Black Tea in the UK: A staple in British culture, black tea contains antioxidants like theaflavins and thearubigins, which support heart health. But again, the caffeine content and frequent addition of sugar or milk can counteract its benefits. Matcha: This finely ground green tea is a powerhouse of antioxidants and L-theanine, which supports calm alertness. But it's potent and pricey and definitely not caffeine-free. This finely ground green tea serves as a potent source of antioxidants Image: Diana/pexels What makes rooibos stand out? It's naturally caffeine-free, low in tannins, gentle on the stomach, and packs a serious antioxidant punch all without needing any additives. Why rooibos is a wellness essential Experts across the country agree: rooibos is not just a trendy health tea; it's a functional drink with science-backed benefits. Professor Jeanine Marnewick of CPUT has shown that rooibos helps combat oxidative stress, a contributor to chronic illness. Professor Amanda Swart of Stellenbosch University identified aspalathin, a unique Rooibos compound, as a natural aid for blood sugar and adrenal health. Professor Christo Muller from the SAMRC highlighted rooibos' potential to support glucose metabolism and reduce inflammation, key factors in preventing or managing type 2 diabetes. 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eNCA
a day ago
- eNCA
NICD reports 10 travel-related cases of Chikungunya virus
Chikungunya virus test JOHANNESBURG - The NICD has confirmed 10 travel-related cases of Chikungunya Virus in the country so far this year. It's caused a public health crisis in China with over 7-thousand infected. The mosquito-borne virus is spreading rapidly through Guangdong province. First detected in Tanzania in 1952, it causes fever and severe joint pain that can last for years. Prof Tulio de Oliveira, from the Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation at Stellenbosch University, shares more details in the video above.
The Citizen
2 days ago
- The Citizen
Gauteng health offering free measles-rubella vaccines for children
The Gauteng department of health is aiming to end regular outbreaks of measles, which have occurred for the last three years The Gauteng Department of Health has begun a campaign to protect children against measles and rubella. Running from 4 August to 12 September, the department will provide free vaccinations to children aged between six months and 15 years old. The vaccines will be made available at healthcare facilities, schools, childcare facilities and community sites that are frequented by children. Free vaccines for children Vaccine Hub states that measles targets the respiratory system, while rubella — also known as German measles — attacks the lymph nodes, eyes and skin. Measles can cause death in children, while rubella can cause birth defects of the children of infected pregnant woman. Both are identified through the red rash visible on the skin of the infected. The department claims the vaccines provided will give the immunised lifetime cover against the measles and rubella infections. 'The campaign comes as Gauteng continues to respond to a persistent measles outbreak that has affected all districts since 2022,' stated health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko. Provincial health officials and the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) had recorded roughly 370 cases of the two conditions in 2025 as of the beginning of the campaign. The MEC stressed the vaccine is safe and effective in preventing either condition, and requested parents to sign the required permission slips. The department confirmed that ll public clinics and health facilities will be providing measles-rubella vaccinations during the campaign period. 'The health teams will be in various vaccination sites throughout the campaign period, which will include schools and creches where most of the targeted children will be found,' the department told The Citizen. 'The health teams will also be in other sites where children can also be found such as taxi ranks, churches and malls. Officials did not provide a detailed schedule but said that interested parents could follow the department on social media to track the campaign. The department is looking for volunteers to assist with data capturing and administrative functions, while retired nurses are asked to assist in their communities. 'Additionally, universities, nursing colleges and private hospital groups are urged to support the campaign by allocating students and practising nurses to assist health teams,' stated the department. Those wishing to assist, or those requesting extra information on the programme, can contact these regional offices: Measles deaths down The World Health Organisation (WHO) stated that an estimated 107 500 people died from measles in 2023 — with most of them being children under the age of five years 'Vaccination decreased an estimated measles death from 800 062 in 2000 to the current figures,' stated the WHO. The NICD has previously supported measles and rubella vaccination, warning of the potential complications. 'Vaccinating children with the measles vaccine protects them from severe illness caused by measles virus infection, including severe pneumonia, encephalitis, blindness, deafness and death,' the entity stated. NOW READ: Gauteng health warns of immunity gap in measles fight as cases rise
