WHSL Citing the Medical Literature: Citing Web Sites

As you have seen, the main difference between using the Vancouver style and the Harvard style for ctiations is the way in which the reference is shown in the text and the way in which the list of references at the end are compiled. Vancouver is numerical; Harvard is alphabetical, and has the date added in the text.

When citing a web site, the same principles apply.

• If there is no apparent author, the web site title is listed. The webmaster is never shown in the citation.
• The date on which the last update to the site was made is important, as the content may change in the version you are citing. This information should be cited, if it is available.
• Because web sites change, it is usual to show where the site is available; as well as the URL (Uniform Address Locator) or the address at which the site is located.
• Because the content also changes, you must indicate the date on which you accessed the site. This is normally shown in square brackets [...]. The way in which the date is cited must stay constant (use one style of date and stay with it, eg. 10.04.2012 or 10 April 2012).

Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and the World Health Organization estimates that more than 350 cases occur per 100 000 people in Sub-Saharan Africa¹. In South Africa, the incidence of TB is seventh highest in the world². Once diagnosed, the most important way to cure TB is to ensure that the entire course of prescribed medication is completed³. 

References

1. World Health Organization. November 2010. Tuberculosis Fact Sheet no. 104. Available:  http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs104/en/ [Accessed 14.02.2012]
2. South Africa. Dept. of Health. Tuberculosis Strategic Plan for South Africa, 2007-2011:5. Available:  http://www.info.gov.za/view/DownloadFileAction?id=72544 [Accessed 14.02.2012]
3. Mayo Clinic. 26 January 2011. Tuberculosis prevention. Available: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/tuberculosis/DS00372/DSECTION=prevention [Accessed 14.02.2012]

Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and the World Health Organization estimates that more than 350 cases occur per 100 000 people in Sub-Saharan Africa (World Health Organization, 2010) . In South Africa, the incidence of TB is seventh highest in the world (South Africa. Dept.of Health, 2007-2011, p.5). Once diagnosed, the most important way to cure TB is to ensure that the entire course of prescribed medication is completed (Mayo Clinic, 2011). 

Mayo Clinic. 26 January 2011. Tuberculosis prevention. Available: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/tuberculosis/DS00372/DSECTION=prevention [Accessed 14.02.2012]

Tuberculosis is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and it is estimated by the World Health Organisation (WHO) that the incidence is approximately 300 cases per 100 000 people in countries south of the Sahara in Africa¹. In South Africa, the incidence of TB is the seventh highest in the world².

References

1. World Health Organization. 2012. Tuberculosis Fact Sheet no. 104. November 2010. 

Available: http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs104/en/index.html 

[Accessed 14.02.2012]