Concerns Over New Epidemic in China: Tunisians Seek Reassurance
The alarming news from China about a rapidly spreading new epidemic has left Tunisians, still traumatized by the COVID-19 episode, seeking to understand the situation and prevent a deterioration.
In this context, the Director General of the National Center for Pharmacovigilance, Riadh Daghfous, came forward on Sunday, January 5, to reassure Tunisians that this virus is not dangerous.
Firstly, the virus, known as HMPV, which is spreading worldwide, emerged in Europe in 2001 and poses no significant danger.
Despite the alarmist cries and misleading videos circulating on social media, the World Health Organization (WHO) has chosen not to issue a specific warning about this virus.
Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a virus that typically causes symptoms similar to those of the common cold: upper respiratory infections, but can sometimes cause lower respiratory infections such as pneumonia, asthma attacks, or exacerbate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. HMPV infections are more frequent in winter and early spring.
Most people contract HMPV before the age of 5. You can contract the virus again, but symptoms are generally mild after the first infection.
Like with a normal cold, transmission occurs through coughing, sneezing, handshakes, hugs, and contact with contaminated surfaces such as phones, door handles, keyboards, or toys.
To avoid contamination, the advice remains the same: wash your hands frequently, ventilate your living spaces at least once a day, and avoid close contact with people who are coughing or sneezing.
