Health news from Africa: outbreaks, policy, and practical tips

Across Africa, health stories hit close to home — from cholera outbreaks to major policy changes. This page gathers timely reports, clear advice, and easy links so you know what's happening and what to do.

Recent pieces cover a range of risks: a cholera surge in Lagos with lives lost, a toxic sodium cyanide spill in Rironi, and rising respiratory illnesses linked to human metapneumovirus in China that could affect travelers and supply chains.

On this page you will find: clear updates on outbreaks, practical prevention tips, expert quotes, and policy moves like South Africa's new National Health Insurance law.

If you worry about symptoms: persistent diarrhea, severe dehydration, high fever, bloody stool, or breathing difficulty are red flags. Seek medical care quickly, hydrate with safe fluids, and avoid self-medicating with antibiotics unless prescribed.

Preventive steps help widely: wash hands regularly, treat or boil drinking water, keep food covered, and vaccinate where shots exist. After chemical spills, follow official evacuation orders, stay upwind, and do not touch unknown liquids or contaminated soil.

Policy matters: South Africa's NHI law aims to widen access and could change how people pay for care. That affects budgets, private insurance, and where patients go for treatment. We'll track implementation and explain what changes mean for you.

We verify stories with health officials, hospitals, and local reporters. For technical issues we quote specialists so you get accurate, usable advice rather than panic.

Want fast updates? Bookmark this page, sign up for alerts, or send tips if you see a local health risk. Your reports help us map outbreaks faster and keep communities safer.

Find our recent reports: 'Cholera outbreak in Lagos', 'Toxic sodium cyanide spill in Rironi', 'Understanding Human Metapneumovirus', and the NHI coverage. Each piece has clear next steps and expert tips.

If you have symptoms or see hazards, act fast and tell local health teams — small actions save lives.

What to watch and when to seek help

Cholera: watch for sudden watery diarrhea, vomiting, and signs of severe dehydration like low urine or dizziness. Give oral rehydration salts and get to a clinic immediately. Human metapneumovirus: symptoms start like a cold — cough, runny nose, fever — but breathing trouble in infants or the elderly needs urgent care. Chemical exposure: if skin or eyes contact suspected cyanide or you smell bitter almond or feel dizzy, move to fresh air, rinse affected areas for 15 minutes, and call emergency services. Do not try to clean a spill yourself.

How you can help your community

Report sick neighbors to local health teams, volunteer with safe water distribution, and support clinics with supplies when possible. If you run a business, check safety protocols for chemical transport and emergency drills. Small local steps reduce outbreaks and speed recovery.

Get vaccines where available, wear masks in crowded clinics during spikes, and keep a small first-aid and rehydration kit at home. Check our alerts for hotline numbers and clinic locations near you.

Stay alert, share verified info, and act early. Help save lives.