Stating that the M-pox virus, popularly known as monkeypox, can be transmitted from the infected mother to her baby through the placenta, Assoc. Prof. Duran Tok said, “Fever, skin rashes, headache, enlargement of lymph nodes, back and muscle pain, weakness, skin lesions usually start a few days after fever. Rashes are more common on the face and extremities. The rashes seen on the face in the majority of cases can also involve the palms and soles of the feet.”
Assoc. Dr. Duran Tok from Liv Hospital Ankara Infectious Diseases Department made explanations about the M-pox virus. He explained that the Monkeypox (MPOX) virus is a virus belonging to the Orthopoxvirus family and is also related to the variola virus that causes smallpox, and although it is endemic in the tropical rainforests of Central and West Africa, it has a risk potential all over the world. “Monkeypox virus is a viral zoonotic disease that can be transmitted both from human to human and from animal to human,” said Assoc. Prof. Duran Tok.
“It was first detected in Denmark in 1958”
Underlining that the MPOX virus was first seen in monkeys brought from the Democratic Republic of the Congo as experimental animals in Copenhagen, Denmark in 1958, Assoc. Prof. Duran Tok said, “Although it is called monkeypox, it is thought that rodents are the definitive reservoirs.”
“Not only human-to-human but also animal-to-human transmission”
Stating that the disease can be transmitted from human to human as well as from animal to human, Assoc. Prof. Duran Tok said, “Prolonged close skin-to-skin contact, direct contact with the secretions of the infected person, as well as direct contact with skin lesions and direct contact with objects such as clothes, bed linen, towels that have recently been contaminated with infected lesions are common ways of transmission.” Assoc. Prof. Tok also emphasized that the risk is quite high in healthcare workers who live in the same house with the patient, stay in close proximity for a long time in closed environments and contact without taking personal protective measures.
“Is it transmitted to the baby in the womb?”
Stating that it can be transmitted from the infected mother to the baby through the placenta, Assoc. Prof. Duran Tok listed the symptoms of the patients as follows:
“Fever, skin rashes, headache, enlarged lymph nodes, back and muscle pain, weakness,
Skin lesions usually start a few days after the onset of fever. Rashes are more common on the face and extremities. The rashes seen in a large proportion of cases in the face area can also involve the palms and soles of the feet.”
“Although there is no definitive cure for the virus, antiviral drugs are effective”
Stating that the most appropriate diagnostic method for M-pox is the detection of samples taken from skin lesions by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, Assoc. Prof. Duran Tok said, “Although there is no definitive treatment for the virus, some antiviral drugs are reported to be effective. However, supportive treatment should be provided to alleviate symptoms and prevent some complications and sequelae.
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