According to Dr. Mahjoub Ouni, professor of virology, the HMPV virus has been medically known for a long time and is one of the viruses linked to the respiratory system. Present throughout the world, it does not present epidemic potential as some sometimes claim.
Speaker on the show ”Hello Sbeh” on Mosaic this Monday January 6, 2025, Dr Ouni indicated that this virus does not have the severity observed during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The symptoms of illness caused by this virus appear mainly in certain categories of people, such as young children, the elderly and those suffering from chronic illnesses, said Dr. Ouni, recalling the first study concerning it dates back to 2001. when it was identified and studied in the Netherlands.
For his part, Dr Riadh Daghfous, director general of the National Pharmacovigilance Center, indicated to the Tap agency that no case of attack by this virus has been recorded in Tunisia, contrary to what some say on the social networks.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has not issued any warning about this virus which must be treated like any other seasonal virus, stressed Dr Daghfous, adding that the most active viruses currently in Tunisia are Rhinoviruses, H1N1 and D3N2, and public health officials are monitoring the situation very closely.
The Ministry of Health indicated, for its part, in a press release published Sunday January 5, that the health situation in Tunisia is under control and that the viruses currently in circulation are known and not of concern. There are no signs indicating a serious threat to public health or widespread spread.
The ministry assured that it continues to monitor the health situation on a daily basis nationally and internationally, in coordination with the World Health Organization (WHO). While assuring that he will take all necessary measures if the situation requires it, he confirmed that he has a response plan ready to be activated to face any potential epidemic threat.
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