Illness: news, alerts and practical health advice for Africa

A spike in cases can hit a community fast. On this tag page we track outbreaks, emerging viruses, policy shifts and on-the-ground responses across Africa. You’ll find quick updates, practical prevention tips, and context that helps you understand how an illness can affect families, hospitals and economies.

Why this coverage matters

When respiratory or infectious diseases spread, early information saves lives. Knowing which areas are affected, who’s most at risk, and what local health services recommend lets people act quickly. We focus on the real-world effects: school closures, hospital strain, vaccine rollouts, and how governments and NGOs respond.

We also cover less visible impacts. Long illness spells can push families into debt, slow small businesses, and increase pressure on clinics that already lack staff or supplies. That’s why our reports pair medical updates with stories about people and communities dealing with the fallout.

How we report and what you can use

Expect timely alerts when outbreaks happen, clear explainers about symptoms and transmission, and practical steps you can take. For example, if a respiratory virus is spreading we highlight: common symptoms to watch for, who should seek testing or hospital care, and basic home care for mild cases.

We’ll also flag credible sources: national health ministries, WHO regional offices, and local clinics. If guidance changes—say, a new vaccine rollout or updated isolation rules—we’ll explain what it means and how it affects daily life.

Want to protect children, the elderly or people with chronic illness? We give concrete tips: ensure vaccinations are up to date, keep crowded indoor time short, improve ventilation at home, and seek early care for high fevers or difficulty breathing.

Worried about misinformation? We call out false claims and show how to verify facts simply—check for official ministry posts, look for multiple reputable outlets reporting the same detail, or contact your local clinic.

If you’re a health worker or community leader, you’ll find reporting on resource gaps, supply needs, and policy debates that matter to your work. We highlight programs that succeed so other communities can learn from them.

Follow this tag for updates on common and emerging threats—from seasonal flu and RSV to new respiratory viruses. We keep language simple, avoid panic, and focus on actions anyone can take right now.

Got a tip from your area or a question about symptoms and care? Share it with our newsroom. Your reports help us cover what matters where you live, and they can guide faster, smarter responses for your community.