Algerian Red Crescent warns over Hantavirus risks, urges stronger preventive measures
By Dr. Hana Saada
ALGIERS — The Algerian Red Crescent on Tuesday called for heightened health vigilance and stricter preventive measures following concerns linked to Hantavirus infections.
The organisation said the virus, associated with rodents, can spread to humans through inhalation of contaminated particles in unsanitary environments and may cause severe respiratory and kidney complications.
Symptoms can appear between one and five weeks after exposure and include sudden fever, severe headaches, muscle pain, coughing and breathing difficulties, with severe cases leading to respiratory or renal failure.
The Algerian Red Crescent urged preventive measures including cleaning high-risk areas, storing food in sealed containers, removing waste and tall vegetation around homes, avoiding contact with rodents and rodent droppings, and regular handwashing.
It added that no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine currently exists for Hantavirus, with medical care focused on symptom management, hydration, oxygen support and hospital monitoring in severe cases.
The organisation stressed that prevention begins with awareness and public health education.
The statement comes as the World Health Organization has recorded six confirmed Hantavirus cases out of eight suspected infections globally, including three deaths.
French health authorities on Monday also confirmed a first Hantavirus case involving a French national aboard a contaminated vessel, while 22 contact cases were identified for monitoring purposes.
— 𝐄𝐍𝐃 —
Dzair Tube Media Group | Record and Standing
Dzair Tube is a leading Algerian digital journalism platform, delivering high-quality content in Arabic, French, and English. With a daily readership exceeding 500,000, it has established itself among the country’s most influential media organizations.
Recognized for editorial excellence and integrity, Dzair Tube was awarded the President of the Republic’s Prize for Professional Journalist in the Electronic Press category on 22 October 2022. The platform operates from state-of-the-art studios, producing diverse programming across news, sports, culture, entertainment, and religion.
Dzair Tube maintains a robust digital presence, with over 600,000 YouTube subscribers, six million followers across Facebook pages, and more than 70,000 Instagram followers. Its sports daily, Dzair Sport, enjoys over 50,000 daily downloads via its official website, cementing its leadership in multimedia journalism.
Further recognized with the Media Leadership Award by former Minister of Communication Mohamed Laâgab and celebrated at the Hilals of Television awards, Dzair Tube continues to set benchmarks in innovation, influence, and public engagement, serving as a key forum for civic discourse, critical analysis, and public affairs.
Official website: www.dzair-tube.dz | English: www.dzair-tube.dz/en
