Keeping diseases at bay during the soccer world cup

25 June 2010

Through its state of the art National Health Operations Centre (NATHOC) based at the South African Military Health Services (SAMHS) the Department of Health is continuing to monitor the health situation around the FIFA Soccer World Cup.

Apart from responding to routine incidents such as minor accidents, the department is encouraged by the fact that so far no major public health incident has been encountered. The department would however still urge everyone in the country including fans to take every step possible to prevent injuries and communicable diseases such as influenzas. Recent articles in the media have drawn attention to possible health risks posed by the blowing of vuvuzelas at public places such as stadia, fan parks and public viewing areas.

The Department of Health in collaboration with partners including the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) and World Health Organisation (WHO) have reviewed the risk posed by this popular instrument. A review of the published medical and other scientific literature has failed to reveal any articles that relate to vuvuzelas and disease transmission. When considering modes of transmission of infectious diseases, while it is not inconceivable that some aerosolised pathogens could be spread by the instrument, the department is not convinced that such transmission has occurred.

Shouting, singing, swearing and coughing are associated with expelling infectious droplets and vuvuzelas are unlikely to be of any greater risk. However, some amount of caution should be exercised when blowing the instrument: do not blow into someone's ear, avoid sharing the instrument and avoid blowing the instrument if you are ill.

Other steps that people can take to prevent diseases during this period and beyond are the following:

* If you get sick with influenza or other respiratory illness limit contact with others to avoid infecting them. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue paper in a trash bin after using it.
* Alternatively cough into your sleeve.
* Wash your hands often with soap and water especially after you coughed.

Alcohol and accidents

Alcohol has been found to be a major contributor to violence and road accidents. Injuries and trauma place a huge burden on the healthcare infrastructure of our country. The Department of Health appeals to everyone to use alcohol responsibly and in moderation. People are advised to avoid driving when they have consumed alcohol as this reduces their ability to do safely.

In conclusion, the department is still continuing with its vaccination campaign for H1N1 influenza. The following categories of people are urged to visit their nearest public health facility to be vaccinated, pregnant women and people with underlying conditions such as diabetes.

For more information please contact:
Fidel Hadebe
Tel: 012 395 8493
Cell: 079 517 3333

Issued by: Department of Health
25 June 2010