The early sixth-century frescoes at S. Martino ai Monti in Rome

This work presents an architectural and art-historical study of the buildings of the monastery and church of S. Martino ai Monti in Rome, the use of which dates from the Carolingian period in the Middle Ages. The authors defend the theories of art historian Richard Krautheimer, who posited that the ancient architectural remnants found in the basement below the basilica date from the sixth century and were used by Christians of that period. The authors defend these claims with a study of the frescoes and wall paintings found there

Viral haemorrhagic fevers in South Africa

Viral haemorrhagic fevers (VHFs) include a diverse array of diseases caused by a broad range of viruses  transmitted from various animal hosts and originating from almost all the continents in the world. These are potentially fatal and highly transmissible diseases without specific treatments or prophylactic vaccines. As  has been demonstrated during the Ebola virus disease outbreak in West Africa, the consequences of VHFs are  not limited to specific countries – they may become epidemic, and may have considerable economic impact   and disrupt local public health and social service structures. Intensive public health intervention is necessary  to contain these diseases. Here we provide a concise overview of the VHFs that are of current public health  importance to South Africa

Rabies: an evidence-based approach to management

Human rabies in South Africa is largely due to infection with the classical rabies virus (genotype 1), with the yellow mongoose the commonest vector except in KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Mpumalanga and now Limpopo provinces where the dog is predominantly responsible for most bites. Rabies is always fatal in humans but can be prevented by timeous administration of post exposure prophylaxis( PEP). This article discusses an evidence-based approach to rabies management in South Africa. South African Family Practice Vol. 49 (7) 2007: pp. 35-4

Atypical presentation of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever: Lessons learned

An atypical case of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever is presented. The diagnosis of the case in the presence of several comorbidities was complicated and illustrates the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion for viral haemorrhagic fever in cases presenting with multisystem disease and an epidemiological history that could present opportunities for exposure to a haemorrhagic fever virus

Outbreak of Rift Valley fever affecting veterinarians and farmers in South Africa, 2008

Background. During 2008, Rift Valley fever (RVF) virus re-emerged in South Africa as focal outbreaks in several provinces. Aims. To investigate an outbreak affecting cattle farmers and farm workers, and the staff and students of a veterinary school, assess the prevalence of infection during the outbreak, document the clinical presentation of cases, and identify potential risk factors. Methods. We conducted a cross-sectional serological survey of exposed veterinarians and farmers, who were examined to determine the presence of current or recent illness. Blood specimens were collected for virus isolation, nucleic acid detection and serology. A subset was interviewed using a standardised questionnaire to obtain data on recent exposures and risk factors for infection. Results. Of 53 participants potentially exposed to infected domestic ruminants, 15% had evidence of recent infection and 4% evidence of past exposure to the RVF virus. The prevalence of acute infection was 21% in veterinarians compared with 9% in farmers and farm workers. After a mean incubation period of 4.3 days, the most frequent symptoms experienced included myalgia (100%), headache (88%) and malaise (75%). No asymptomatic cases were identified. Transmission by direct contact with infected animals was the major risk factor in these professional groups. Performing animal autopsies was significantly associated with acute infection (risk ratio 16.3, 95% confidence interval 2.3 - 114.2). Conclusions. Increased risks associated with veterinary practices highlight a need for the use of personal protective equipment, and identify veterinarians as a primary target group for future vaccination