Message from Executive Director
The summer holiday season is upon us – a time to relax, reflect, and spend quality time with our loved ones. I wish everyone a safe, joyful, and restful holiday. Our theme for this issue is “Be SunSmart this festive season.” As you may know, from 1 December to 31 January, we observe
Skin Cancer Awareness Month. Our colleagues from the National Cancer Registry shed light on how to protect yourself against skin cancer.
In this issue, the team also explores odyssean malaria and malaria transmission in South Africa – a timely topic as many people spend more time outdoors during the holidays. Odyssean malaria refers to infection in individuals who have not travelled to a malaria-endemic area. It occurs when infected mosquitoes are transported by chance – or “hitchhike” – by air, road, rail, or sea from endemic to non-endemic regions.
Finally, we provide an update on the typhoid fever outbreak. The number of reported cases this year has surpassed last year’s total, which is cause for concern. As we gather over the festive season, remember that the most effective ways to prevent typhoid include practising thorough handwashing with soap and water after using the toilet and before handling food.
From all of us at the NICD, we wish you a safe and happy holiday season!
Enjoy the read!
