This Monday, January 6, 2025, virology professor Dr. Mahjoub Ouni reassured the public about the HMPV virus (Human Metapneumovirus), stressing that this virus, although it is in global circulation, does not represent any epidemic threat. During an intervention on Mosaïque FM, he clarified that, contrary to certain rumors, it is in no way linked to the severity observed during the Covid-19 pandemic. Symptoms mainly affect young children, the elderly and those with chronic illnesses, but the virus has been well known since its discovery in the Netherlands in 2001.
The Ministry of Health also provided reassuring details in a press release dated January 5. According to him, the health situation remains under control, with viruses currently in circulation which pose no danger. No signs of widespread spread or serious threat have been observed, and authorities continue to monitor the situation in close collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO).
Riadh Daghfous, director general of the National Pharmacovigilance Center, insisted that the alarmist information relayed on social networks is unfounded. He confirmed that no cases of HMPV had been detected in Tunisia to date. Although this virus, which belongs to the family of viruses responsible for respiratory infections, is mainly active in winter, no vaccine has been deemed necessary by experts until now.
To limit the risk of transmission, preventive measures such as hand hygiene and reducing contact with sick people remain essential. In case of infection, antiviral treatment is recommended.
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