In a context of global concern regarding the spread of the HMPV virus (human metapneumovirus) in China, the Tunisian health authorities want to be reassuring.
Dr Sami Kammoun, dean of the Faculty of Medicine of Sfax and head of the pulmonology department at Hédi Chaker University Hospital, declared on Mosaique FM that the situation currently presents no particular danger for Tunisia.
“The HMPV virus has been known for approximately 25 years and its spread is not significant,” he said, while emphasizing that vigilance remains essential.
No immediate threat but essential precautions
Medical experts agree that certain populations, including young children, the elderly and patients with chronic illnesses, may be more vulnerable to this respiratory virus.
To limit risks, Dr. Kammoun recommends influenza vaccination to strengthen the immune system, although no specific vaccine against HMPV is currently available.
For its part, the Tunisian Ministry of Health maintains active monitoring of the epidemiological situation, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO). The authorities assure that the respiratory viruses currently circulating in the country are well known and under control.
A warning against misinformation
The director general of the National Pharmacovigilance Center, Riadh Daghfous, warns against misinformation circulating on social networks. He particularly denounces the dissemination of old photos and videos which contribute to unnecessarily amplifying fears around this virus.
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