Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Specialist Dr. Gürbüz Yuluğ, who warned about the monkeypox virus, said, “The average mortality rate is between 3 and 6 percent. It is more severe in those with secondary diseases, young children and pregnant women.”
Stating that the monkeypox virus (Monkeypox) that causes monkeypox is a DNA virus, Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Specialist Dr. Gürbüz Yuluğ from Medical Park Karadeniz Hospital stated that the disease is a zoonotic disease that occurs primarily in Central and West Africa and then cases are seen in Europe.
“It was first detected in a 9-month-old child”
Pointing out that the virus was first isolated in a monkey in 1959 and the first human case was detected in a 9-month-old child in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1970, Uzm. Dr. Gürbüz Yuluğ said, “Apart from monkeys, the infection is also seen in squirrels, rats, mice and prairie dogs. The average mortality rate is between 3 and 6 percent. It is more severe in those with secondary diseases, young children and pregnant women.”
“You can get it from animals or humans”
Underlining that the monkeypox virus can be transmitted in two ways, from animal to human or from human to human, Uzm. Dr. Yuluğ said, “It can be transmitted directly or indirectly by biting, scratching or removing the lesion of the infected animal. It can be transmitted through respiratory droplets of the sick person, contact with skin lesions or contaminated objects. Transmission from a sick person is more common during the period when the rash is active. The virus enters healthy people through cracks in the skin, open tissues such as mouth, nose, eyes or through the respiratory system.”
Pay attention to fever, head and muscle aches, lymph node swelling, flower-like rashes
Sharing information about the symptoms of the disease, Uzm. Dr. Yuluğ said the following:
“The incubation period of the virus is 5 to 21 days. The most common symptoms are high fever, head, back and muscle aches, lymph node swelling, fatigue, chills, chills, flower-like rashes on the face, hands and feet begin and spread throughout the body. The virus is contagious until all the scabs fall off. Depending on the severity of the disease, all rashes disappear within 2 to 4 weeks.”
Stating that the laboratory diagnosis is usually made by species-specific PCR of the material taken from the lesion, Uzm. Dr. Yuluğ said that the virus can also be detected in respiratory secretions, blood and urine fluids.
Prevention of monkeypox virus disease
Uzm. Dr. Yuluğ listed the ways to prevent monkeypox virus disease as follows:
“It is necessary to avoid contact with infected animals and people. Washing hands frequently and with plenty of water. It is especially important to clean hands after contact with an infected person. It is important to maintain social distance. Using a mask is one of the best precautions. Personal belongings should not be shared. It is a disease with a vaccine. Risk groups should be vaccinated. Care should be taken when traveling.”
“Antiviral drugs can be used”
There is no specific treatment for the disease. Dr. Yuluğ said, “It usually heals spontaneously. Rest, fluid consumption, painkillers, creams to reduce itching, antiviral drugs can be used. Our aim in treatment is to reduce the duration of the disease, prevent complications and improve the general condition of the patient.”
“Hand hygiene should be emphasized, plenty of fluids should be consumed”
Underlining that, as in all viral infections, it is necessary to prevent contact and pay attention to hand hygiene in order to protect against monkeypox virus, Uzm. Dr. Yuluğ said, “Especially children should be kept away from pets of unknown origin. In order to strengthen the immune system, it is necessary to eat mainly vegetables and fruits and consume plenty of fluids.”
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