The prevalence and distribution of malaria in Mpumalanga Province before and during COVID-19 (2017 - 2022).

Background: South Africa (SA) has committed to eliminating malaria by 2028. However, the initial target was set for 2023. Additionally, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the emergence of drug and insecticide resistance have been identified as potential stumbling blocks in the achievement of this goal.

Comparing adults with severe SARS-CoV-2 or influenza infection: South Africa, 2016-2021.

Background: Comparisons of the characteristics of individuals hospitalised with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) or seasonal influenza in low-to middle-income countries with high human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevalence are limited.

Objectives: Determine the epidemiological differences with those hospitalised with influenza or SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Method: We investigated hospitalised individuals ≥18 years of age testing positive for seasonal influenza (2016-2019) or SARS-CoV-2 (2020-2021).

SARS-CoV-2 Transmission Risk in the School Environment: a pilot case-ascertained prospective study to inform future school-based surveillance.

There is no current active or passive disease surveillance programme focused on schools in South Africa. As such the country is missing an opportunity to rapidly and effectively flag and address pathogen outbreaks, for example SARS-CoV-2, in a key closed setting. Furthermore, the role of school transmission in the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus within communities is uncertain.

Prevalence of bacterial pathogens in biofilms of drinking water distribution systems.

Water for human consumption is required to be free from any bacteria that might pose a health risk. The presence of biofilms in the drinking water distribution system may play a role in the presence of potential pathogens in the drinking water supply. Ninety-five biofilm samples from various parts of South Africa were tested for the presence of Escherichia coli, Aeromonas, Pseudomonas, Salmonella, Shigella and Vibrio spp.