Coronavirus outbreak in Asia, should South Africans be concerned?
Drickus Maartens • February 1, 2020
A few safety measures can go a long way in protecting travellers from infection
The ongoing spread of the coronavirus across China and other parts of the world has raised global concern. This has left many South Africans wondering if they are at risk locally and how best they can keep themselves safe from possible infection, particularly while travelling internationally.
Dr Pete Vincent of Netcare
Travel Clinics and Medicross Tokai, says that while the World Health Organization
[WHO] has now declared the new coronavirus outbreak a global health emergency, people should not be unduly alarmed by the coronavirus outbreak, particularly as no cases have been reported in South Africa as at 31 January. He however strongly recommends that everyone, and especially those travelling internationally, take precautions against contracting the illness and that non-essential travel to China be postponed at this time.
The World Health Organization indicates that the majority of coronavirus cases have been reported in the Hubei province in China where the outbreak started and has been linked to a seafood, poultry and live wildlife market, the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market in the province’s Jianghan district.
To date a number of confirmed cases, of which the majority were ‘exported cases’ with a travel history from the Chinese province, have been reported in a number of countries around the world including Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Singapore, Australia, Malaysia, Thailand, Nepal, India, the Philippines, the United States of America, Germany, Italy, Finland and France.
Primary transmission
“While human-to-human transmission of the virus has been reported — it would seem that animal-to-human transmission remains the primary mode for the spreading of the virus. However, the fact that some people appear to suffer only mild illness as a result of infection, while others have become severely sick, has made it difficult for global health authorities to establish the exact extent to which the virus is being passed between people at this time and even the true numbers of people who may have been infected,” says Dr Vincent.
“In addition, there are concerns that the virus could become more contagious than it currently appears to be, and global and local health surveillance agencies including the National Institute of Communicable Diseases [NICD] and South African Department of Health
in South Africa therefore remain vigilant.”
Signs and symptoms
Those who have fallen ill from the coronavirus reportedly suffer coughs, fever and breathing problems. The virus can cause severe respiratory difficulties, and lead to pneumonia, sepsis and even organ failure in severe cases. As is the case with other viral infections, antibiotics are not an effective means of treatment and it appears that people who are in poor health are at greatest risk of complications from the infection. The WHO reports that the current estimates of the incubation period of the virus range from two to ten days.
Protecting yourself
“Those who have recently travelled, or are planning to travel, to international destinations such as the Far East should be particularly vigilant. As in the case of other airborne infectious viruses such as influenza, avoiding contact with people showing symptoms and washing your hands frequently can go a long way towards protecting individuals from contracting an infection,” he advises.
The following simple precautions, which are based on WHO recommendations, can assist to reduce exposure to and transmission of the virus:
- Wash your hands frequently with warm water and soap, towel drying them properly. An alcohol-based hand rub can also be used.
- Avoid close contact with others who have coughs, chest infections and/or fevers.
- Avoid touching your face, mouth and eyes with your hands.
- Avoid direct, unprotected contact with farm or wild animals, particularly when visiting live markets in affected areas. Preferably avoid such markets.
- Avoid eating raw or undercooked animal products and exercise care when handling raw meat, milk or animal organs to prevent potential cross-contamination with uncooked foods.
- Although facemasks do not provide complete protection from the infection from an airborne disease such as this, they may provide at least some additional defence against infection.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or a flexed elbow when coughing or sneezing.
Dr Vincent says that these measures are a means to protect oneself from any kind of infectious illness and are especially important for international travellers to heed at this time.
He advises anyone who has severe fever, cough, difficulty breathing and/or chest pain to seek medical attention promptly, and to be sure to share their complete travel history with their healthcare practitioner.
Netcare fully prepared
The NICD reports that it has, together with the National Department of Health, developed and distributed clinical guidelines and case definitions for doctors and nurses in both the public and the private sectors to ensure improved detection, identification and response to any possible case of imported coronavirus infection.
Dr Anchen Laubscher, Group Medical Director of Netcare, says while there are as yet no patients with suspected or confirmed coronavirus in South Africa or in Africa, the Netcare Group has, as per normal, taken the necessary steps to ensure its readiness in responding to and managing any cases, should the need arise as well as to risk assess all admissions for possible exposure to the virus
“Netcare has developed a set of comprehensive clinical risk assessment pathways in consultation with the NICD. These are used routinely and diligently as a precautionary measure by our emergency medical personnel, doctors and hospital staff to assess any patient who may have been exposed to risk factors associated with coronavirus. These clinical pathways comprehensively cover the risk assessment of these patients as well as their possible need for further management.
“Healthcare operations within the Netcare Group continue to cooperate closely with the Department of Health, the NICD and the National Health Laboratory Services in their efforts to monitor and prevent the spread of infections such as coronavirus in South Africa,” Dr Laubscher concludes.
Dr Michael de Villiers explains why people can become sick every flu season and why the influenza vaccine is generally recommended every year.
Colorectal cancer, one of the most prevalent yet preventable cancers, can develop in the colon or rectum, often starting as small polyps that can quietly become malignant if left unchecked. Dr Mpho Ramabulana, a colorectal surgeon and gastroenterologist at Netcare Akasia Hospital, underscores the life-saving power of vigilance and the importance of early detection.
Cardiologist Dr Robert Routier urges the public to check their personal risk factors regularly to help prevent or manage cardiovascular disease.
The physical strain pregnancy puts on an expectant mother’s body should not be underestimated. An obstetrician gynaecologist offers her insights for alleviating discomfort and promoting wellbeing with exercise and stretching throughout pregnancy.
Dr Patience Sigwadi, a leading paediatric nephrologist practising at Netcare Unitas Hospital in Centurion, has issued an urgent call for increased focus on skills development to address the escalating kidney disease crisis among children in South Africa.
Paediatric Nephrologist Professor Bhimma was recently awarded the Fellowship to acknowledge his extensive work in research, community-based outreach and teaching of paediatric nephrology, among others.
Netcare congratulates Professor Bhekifa Dube on his invitation to join the European Society for Vascular Surgery's clinical practice guidelines committee. His selection as the only specialist from the continent highlights the significance of this achievement on the global stage.
The lives of millions of South Africans with a litany of rare diseases can be vastly improved, and even saved, by addressing challenges in identifying, studying and treating their conditions. With Rare Disease Day on the 28th of February 2025, the Rare Diseases Access Initiative (RDAI) is driving an evolution of the country’s healthcare, through innovative strategies to better care for over 4.2million people living with an estimated 7000 rare diseases. “As our healthcare system faces significant changes in the years ahead, it is vital that we also advocate for people living with rare diseases in South Africa, especially those with limited healthcare access,” said Kelly du Plessis, CEO of Rare Diseases South Africa (RDSA), a member of RDAI. “As part of our ongoing research and awareness efforts, RDAI has conducted an initial analysis of the incidence and prevalence of rare diseases within the country.” This research will assist in improving access to healthcare, policy development, and patient advocacy, while giving critical insight into the challenges faced by patients. “According to research, some rare diseases affect fewer than 1 in a million people, while others, such as Down syndrome, cystic fibrosis, and haemophilia, have a more recognisable prevalence,” says Dr. Helen Malherbe, RDAI lead researcher on rare disease prevalence data. “Many conditions are undetected, underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed, with too many having no information available about them at all.” The RDAI was formed in 2019 to promote a more favourable environment for those impacted by rare diseases in South Africa. Participants include Ampath, the Board of Healthcare Funders (BHF), Discovery Health, Genetic Counsellors South Africa (SASHG), the Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS), Health Funders Association (HFA), Medihelp, Medscheme, North-West University (NWU), Rare Diseases South Africa (RDSA), the South African Medical Association (SAMA) and The South African Medical Technology Industry Association (SAMED). The Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) participates as an observer. In the same year, Rare Disease International signed a memorandum of understanding with the World Health Organisation leading to an international rare disease policy framework. In 2021, the United Nations General Assembly moved to adopt a resolution recognising 300 million people living with rare diseases worldwide. “A general lack of awareness and delayed diagnosis remain major hurdles for those affected by rare diseases. Policymakers and healthcare stakeholders need to prioritise access to treatment, diagnosis, and support for rare disease patients,” says Bada Pharasi, CEO of IPASA, “Through this initiative, working collaboratively with stakeholders at every level of the healthcare supply chain, we can bring real and meaningful change to those affected, including family members and care givers, through smart and efficient strategies.” The globally agreed definition of a rare disease is any medical condition with a specific pattern of clinical signs, symptoms, and findings that affects fewer than or equal to 1 in 2000 persons in a population. “Most are genetic, and some are inherited and passed down in families,” Malherbe says. “Some affect only the patient’s genetic recipe, while others may be acquired during life due to infection, trauma, or environmental effects. For many, the cause is still unknown. “These conditions mainly affect children, as they are largely incurable and many are life-threatening. Some require specialised and co-ordinated care, some have limited and expensive treatment options, while others have no information or effective treatments at all,” she adds. The RDAI is calling for a patient-centred care model built on equitable access, transparency and efficiency. Naturally, this model calls for the open participation of patients, the healthcare industry, health professionals, and the Government. “The most critical elements are robust diagnosis standards, improved access to treatment, data collection and management, co-ordination of care, measurement of outcomes and ongoing collaborative research,” du Plessis says. “We need to establish rare disease advisory committees, map gaps and opportunities, establish system requirements, create a roadmap and plan a phased implementation with clear timelines.” The RDAI states that these policy development steps would be a start in quantifying the disease burden and defining standards of care. This would be followed by building and strengthening the capacity to facilitate appropriate diagnosis, treatment, continuity and data monitoring. Thoneshan Naidoo, Chief Executive Officer of the Health Funders Association noted that, “We appreciate the unique opportunity provided by RDAI which enables stakeholders across the industry to work together and identify strategies that improve equitable access to the appropriate diagnosis, treatment and healthcare services for rare disease patients, in an affordable and sustainable manner, taking account of the other pressing needs across the healthcare system.” “True innovation in healthcare is only possible through partnerships and joint advocacy efforts that raise awareness and improve access to treatment. Our long-term goal is the development of a rare diseases policy framework and guidelines for coordinated care,” says Pharasi. “Our members are united in the commitment to unlocking improved patient outcomes and improving access to services and robust health needs assessment facilities.” he concludes. About RDAI The Rare Diseases Access Initiative (RDAI) is dedicated to advocating for improved healthcare access, policy development, and patient support for those affected by rare diseases in South Africa. The initiative brings together key healthcare stakeholders, including pharmaceutical associations, funders, genetic specialists, and patient advocacy groups, to drive impactful change. About RDSA Founded in 2013, Rare Diseases South Africa (RDSA) is a non-profit organisation advocating to ensure that people living with rare diseases and congenital disorders experience greater recognition, support, improved health service and better overall quality of life. Started out of personal need following the diagnosis of organisation founder, Kelly du Plessis' son, it became evident that there was a lack of awareness and support for rare diseases in general in South Africa. About IPASA The Innovative Pharmaceutical Association South Africa (IPASA) is a voluntary trade association representing 24 leading pharmaceutical companies committed to research, development, and innovation. Our mission is to drive healthcare advancement by advocating for policies that improve patient access to safe, high-quality, and affordable medicines.
Gastroenterologist Dr. Barbara Makumbi discusses common risk factors and offers tips for managing reflux and the longer-term condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD).
From treating trauma injuries caused by wildlife, road accidents and sports, to heart attacks, stroke, or the sudden onset of other concerning medical symptoms – the emergency department at Netcare St Anne’s Hospital never sleeps.
