Tunisia's Health Situation Remains Under Control, Says National Pharmacovigilance Director

The Director General of Tunisia's National Pharmacovigilance Center, Dr. Riadh Daghfous, has assured that the epidemiological situation related to the "Hanta" and "Ebola" viruses is not a cause for concern at the moment, both globally and in Tunisia. He emphasized that the risk of infection transmission remains limited due to preventive measures and existing sanitary protocols.

Understanding the "Hanta" Virus

Dr. Daghfous explained that the "Hanta" virus, discovered in 1976, is not a new virus. Moreover, it does not easily transmit from person to person, with the infection primarily linked to rodents, particularly rats. He noted that the virus's danger level varies depending on the strain and geographical region. In Europe and Asia, the circulating strains target the kidneys and can cause hemorrhaging, with a mortality rate ranging from 10% to 15%. In contrast, the strains present in the Americas are considered more dangerous, as they rapidly attack the respiratory system and lead to fluid accumulation in the lungs, with a mortality rate that can reach 40% to 50%.

No Vaccine Available for "Hanta" Virus

The doctor also stated that there is currently no vaccine available for the "Hanta" virus. Consequently, treatment focuses on managing symptoms, such as fever and diarrhea, as well as potential medical complications. He emphasized that severe cases may require mechanical ventilation or dialysis in cases of renal impairment, while stressing that early diagnosis and rapid intervention significantly reduce the severity of the disease.

Prevention Measures

Regarding preventive measures, Dr. Daghfous advised caution when cleaning warehouses or areas that may harbor rodent droppings. He warned against "dry sweeping," which can spread the virus through airborne dust, and recommended cleaning contaminated areas using water and bleach.

"Ebola" Virus: A Non-Threat in Tunisia

Regarding the "Ebola" virus, the doctor explained that it is also an ancient virus, confined to specific geographical areas in Africa. He noted that the animal vector of the virus, a particular species of bat, does not exist in Tunisia, a country that has not reported any cases of infection by this virus to date. Finally, he reaffirmed that Tunisia's sanitary protocol remains active, particularly through traveler control from affected areas. He reminded that the World Health Organization (WHO) imposes strict measures prohibiting travel to individuals displaying symptoms of the disease from outbreak areas.