No Cases of Hanta Virus Reported in Tunisia as of May 17, 2026
According to a statement released by the Ministry of Health on Sunday, May 17, 2026, no cases of the Hanta virus have been reported in Tunisia to date.
The Ministry has urged citizens and the media not to spread rumors or unverified information, and to refer exclusively to official statements issued by the Ministry of Health and competent international health authorities.
In addition, the Ministry advises travelers to respect general health recommendations during their trips, apply hygiene rules, avoid contact with rodents or their droppings, and immediately contact health services in case of fever or respiratory difficulties upon returning from areas where the virus has been confirmed.
The Ministry of Health has also reaffirmed that it is closely monitoring the situation, in coordination with the World Health Organization (WHO) and other competent international health organizations, regarding the epidemiological situation related to the Hanta virus. The virus was recently detected in several passengers on an international cruise ship that had traveled to South America and the Antarctic region.
According to the latest data published by the WHO, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), and relevant health authorities, the number of confirmed and suspected cases remains limited. These cases are subject to strict medical surveillance, as well as investigation and contact tracing procedures.
Ongoing epidemiological and laboratory investigations indicate that the reported cases are linked to a strain called the Andes virus, which is one of the hantaviruses known in certain regions of South America. This strain is characterized, in specific and restricted conditions, by the possibility of interhuman transmission in the event of close and prolonged contact, but it does not easily transmit in normal daily life.
The epidemiological investigation and contact tracing operations have allowed for the identification of exposed individuals, who have been isolated and subjected to medical follow-up according to established protocols, without any signs of large-scale community transmission having been recorded to date.
Finally, the Ministry has reiterated its commitment to monitoring the global health situation and strengthening the health surveillance system, epidemiological surveillance, preparation, and response, particularly at the country's entry points.
Key Recommendations:
- Respect general health recommendations during trips
- Apply hygiene rules
- Avoid contact with rodents or their droppings
- Immediately contact health services in case of fever or respiratory difficulties upon returning from areas where the virus has been confirmed
Sources:
- Ministry of Health, Tunisia
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)
- Relevant health authorities
