Tunisia reports 1,400 tuberculosis cases linked to unpasteurized milk annually
via Business News2 min read
Reports circulating on social media about 3,500 annual tuberculosis cases in Tunisia, with 1,400 linked to unpasteurized milk, have been verified. These figures originate from public statements by Tunisian health officials. Veterinarian Ahmed Rajeb indicated approximately 3,500 tuberculosis cases are recorded each year, with nearly 1,400 attributed to the consumption of unpasteurized milk and its derivatives, primarily from bovine sources. Abdelraouf Mansouri, involved in the Ministry of Health's national tuberculosis control program, confirmed the disease's presence in Tunisia, emphasizing early detection and prevention. These official statements confirm a health risk associated with uncontrolled dairy products. Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by bacteria, typically transmitted airborne between humans. However, bovine tuberculosis can be transmitted to humans through contaminated raw milk, especially if unpasteurized. Scientific evidence, including studies by the World Health Organization and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, shows pasteurization effectively eliminates the bacteria, significantly reducing human transmission risk. Consuming raw milk or uncontrolled dairy products poses a real risk, particularly where livestock health surveillance is inadequate. Symptoms of tuberculosis include a persistent cough lasting over two weeks, sometimes with blood, weight loss, significant fatigue, loss of appetite, and night sweats. Vaccinatio
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