Viruses
latest news & developments
Microplastics act as ‘rafts’, increasing the threat to environmental and public health
African countries, including South Africa, have limited waste infrastructure and uneven water treatment systems, which exacerbates the problem of antibiotic resistance
How to escape the ‘era of pandemics’
Any of 850 000 viruses could cause the next global crisis. Experts say we should focus on prevention
Will the coronavirus cause a major growth slowdown in China?
The panic generated by the new coronavirus, 2019-nCov, which originated in Wuhan, one of China’s largest cities and a major domestic transport hub, reminds many of the fear and…
The coronavirus is a disease of Chinese autocracy
An outbreak of a new coronavirus that began in the Chinese city of Wuhan has already infected over 4000 people – mostly in China, but also in several other countries, from…
Seven things you should know about this country’s largest Lassa fever outbreak
Nigeria’s latest and largest epidemic has claimed almost 100 lives. Find out more about the virus.
Explainer: why children are at risk of hand, foot and mouth disease
Hand, foot and mouth disease is a viral infection that can affect infants and young children.
Ebola death toll rises in Guinea
Guinea has battled to contain an Ebola epidemic threatening neighbouring countries as fear and confusion grips its people.
‘Chameleon’ – the computer virus that spreads through wi-fi
Computer viruses now live up to their name: thanks to British researchers wi-fi networks can now infect each other just like a common cold works.
Complex ‘The Mask’ malware found behind massive cyber attacks
An advanced Spanish-speaking "threat actor" dubbed "The Mask" has been discovered to be behind global cyberespionage operations since at least 2007.
Alistair Fairweather: Computer viruses are no longer for amateurs
When Fred Cohen coined the term "computer virus", he probably had no idea how apt it would prove nearly 30 years later, as virus makers get serious.
Small businesses face hacking threat
Symantec’s latest Internet Security Threat Report has revealed a 42% surge in targeted attacks in 2012 compared to the prior year.
Kaspersky report show spammers are back
A recent Kaspersky report has revealed that spam increased 13 percentage points during February and averaged 71% for the month.
Unlikely arenavirus killed SA man, says medical body
It is highly unlikely that the death of a South African man in Brazil was caused by a new type of arenavirus, it was reported on Thursday.
A virus by any other name is still a virus
One of the most lethal viruses known to science has made its appearance in Africa, but naming it has been held up by political sensitivities.
No need to panic over Gauteng virus, says Cabinet
There is no cause for panic over an outbreak of suspected haemorrhagic fever in Gauteng that has claimed three lives, says the government.