Tunisia Reinforces Health Surveillance at Airports, Ports, and Land Borders to Prevent Ebola and Hanta Virus Risks
Tunisia has decided to strengthen health surveillance at airports, ports, and land borders to prevent any risk related to the Ebola and Hanta viruses. This decision was made through the implementation of a preventive sanitary protocol targeting travelers from countries that have reported contamination cases.
According to Dr. Riadh Daghfous, the Director General of the National Center for Pharmacovigilance, this measure involves controlling the health status of travelers before they enter Tunisian territory. The measures include taking temperatures and conducting PCR tests to detect potential Ebola cases.
The authorities have also set up quarantine areas to accommodate confirmed cases. They will ensure the transfer of affected individuals from entry points to quarantine centers, with the mobilization of medical teams and qualified supervisors.
This decision was made during a coordination meeting held at the Tunisian Ministry of Health's headquarters on Friday, focusing on the global epidemiological situation, particularly regarding the Ebola and Hanta viruses. The meeting was chaired by Health Minister Mustapha Ferjani, in the presence of representatives from the Defense, Interior, Foreign Affairs, and Transport ministries, as well as officials from the Civil Aviation Office and several health experts.
Dr. Daghfous reassured that there is no major cause for concern, either internationally or in Tunisia, regarding the current epidemiological situation. He emphasized that the risk of propagation remains limited due to the existing sanitary protocols and preventive measures applied at borders.
Regarding the Hanta virus, discovered in 1976, Dr. Daghfous explained that it is not a new virus and primarily transmits through rodents, such as rats, rather than from person to person. He noted that some strains present in Europe and Asia mainly affect the kidneys and can cause hemorrhages, with a mortality rate of 10-15%. In contrast, strains found in the Americas are considered more dangerous, as they rapidly attack the respiratory system and can lead to fluid accumulation in the lungs, with mortality rates reaching 40-50%.
Dr. Daghfous also highlighted that there is currently no vaccine against the Hanta virus. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and potential complications, while early diagnosis and rapid intervention can significantly reduce the risks associated with the disease.
Regarding preventive measures, Dr. Daghfous called for vigilance during cleaning of warehouses or spaces that may contain rodent excrement, advising against dry sweeping, which can spread the virus through airborne dust. Instead, he recommends using water and bleach to disinfect contaminated areas.
Regarding the Ebola virus, Dr. Daghfous explained that it is an ancient virus limited to certain regions in Africa. He noted that the bat species considered a vector for the virus is not present in Tunisia, which has not reported any Ebola infection cases to date.
Finally, Dr. Daghfous reminded that Tunisia applies a permanent protocol for monitoring travelers from high-risk zones, in accordance with World Health Organization recommendations, which also imposes strict restrictions on individuals presenting symptoms in affected areas.
