BLOEMFONTEIN - Brown locusts carry pathogenic yeasts that can cause severe infections in humans.
Those with compromised immune systems or who are already ill are at risk.
That's according to a new study from the National Health Laboratory Service and the Universities of the Free State and Venda.
The study gives an overview how new pathogens may emerge and spread to people.
Professor Carlien Pohl-Albertyn from the University of the Free State, spoke to eNCA.