Hantavirus: Rafik Boujdaria calls for vigilance without panic
via Business News4 min read
Physician Rafik Boujdaria addressed public concerns regarding the hantavirus, stating it is an ancient and known virus, unlike the novel Covid-19. The current alert stems from several deaths on a cruise ship traveling from southern Argentina to Cape Verde, with multiple passengers infected and fatalities reported among travelers from a dozen countries. Boujdaria confirmed no Tunisian nationals are among the affected passengers and that no direct threat currently exists for Tunisia. The hantavirus family has been identified since the 1930s, with the specific strain known since the 1950s, named after a region between the two Koreas where it was studied during the Korean War. The virus primarily circulates in North America, South America, and parts of Asia, with rodents like wild rats and mice as main vectors. Transmission to humans typically occurs through inhaling contaminated particles from animal excrement or secretions. While human-to-human transmission is rare, a specific variant called "Andes" can transmit between people, which explains current concerns surrounding the monitored ship. Initial symptoms can resemble classic flu, but the virus can lead to severe complications. In America, some forms cause acute respiratory syndrome with a mortality rate of up to 38% in severe cases. Asian variants can cause hemorrhagic syndromes and severe kidney damage. Boujdaria emphasized that most infections do not result in critical forms. He assured that cruise ships arriving in Tunisi
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Must ReadThe Council of the League of Arab States unanimously approved the appointment of Nabil Fahmy as the organization's Secretary-General during a meeting of Arab foreign ministers held on Monday, June 22, 2026, in Amman. This information comes from the Arab League press office. Nabil Fahmy, a former Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs and seasoned diplomat, succeeds Ahmed Aboul Gheit. His five-year term will begin in July 2026. His nomination was endorsed by consensus at the ministerial meeting in Amman, confirming member states' support for his candidacy. Starting July 1, 2026, his mission will include coordinating common Arab action and monitoring key regional issues on the Arab League's agenda.
The Committee on External Relations, International Cooperation, Affairs of Tunisians Abroad, and Migration continued its review of the proposed bill to establish a National Council for Tunisians Residing Abroad on Monday, June 22, 2026. The committee heard from the president of the National Council of the Order of Physicians and the dean of Tunisian engineers. The discussions focused on strengthening ties between the state and Tunisian professionals abroad, leveraging their expertise for national development, and addressing brain drain. The committee president, Riadh Jaidane, stated the initiative aims to improve communication with the diaspora, address their concerns, and enhance their contribution to development projects. The dean of Tunisian engineers praised the initiative as a significant step to strengthen ties and increase contributions to economic, scientific, and social development. He proposed direct representation for engineers within the council through the Order of Tunisian Engineers, the creation of a permanent commission for engineering and technology skills, and a national digital platform to connect with Tunisian professionals abroad. He noted that Tunisian engineers abroad hold key positions in strategic sectors like energy, infrastructure, industry, aeronautics, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and renewable energies. He emphasized that emigration can be a strategic asset if there is a legal and institutional framework to involve these profe
Mohamed Ali Nafti, Tunisia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Migration, and Tunisians Abroad, met with his Algerian counterpart, Ahmed Attaf, Minister of State, Algerian Minister of Foreign Affairs, National Community Abroad, and African Affairs, on June 22, 2026, in Amman. The meeting, held on the sidelines of an Arab ministerial gathering, focused on Tunisian-Algerian cooperation. Discussions centered on preparing for the upcoming Tunisian-Algerian Follow-up Commission, scheduled for next month. Key areas of cooperation reviewed included trade, industry, and energy. The ministers also addressed improving consular services and facilitating the movement and residency of Tunisian and Algerian nationals across the border. Beyond bilateral issues, Nafti and Attaf exchanged views on regional and international matters, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening consultation and coordination between Tunis and Algiers to address common challenges and regional developments. This meeting highlights the ongoing cooperation between the two countries, aiming to consolidate their partnership in economic, energy, and security sectors, while also facilitating exchanges between their citizens.