The M-virus, popularly known as monkeypox, has caused concern about a new epidemic. Infectious Diseases Specialist Doctor Mehmet Zeki Boztaş, who explained the symptoms and prevention methods of the disease, said, “Infants and children between the ages of 0-5, the elderly, pregnant women and people whose immune system is severely weakened for any reason should be careful because they are sensitive to the disease.”
Stating that the disease is actually an animal disease, Istanbul Gelisim University Faculty of Dentistry Dr. Lecturer. Prof. Mehmet Zeki Boztaş said, “M-pox virus is normally found in animals such as wild small rodents and monkeys living in rural, forested areas of some African countries. However, due to reasons such as poverty, constant migration, civil wars, global warming, it has infected Africans who enter the areas where these wildlife are located and even have to kill, slaughter and eat these animals. The M-pox virus was first identified in 1958 by Danish scientists examining monkeys with numerous water-filled sores on their skin. The first person with monkeypox virus (MSV) was a 9-month-old Congolese child in 1970 and the first human-to-human transmission occurred in 2017.”
“The risk of death may increase in individuals with low immune systems who contract the disease”
Stating that the three most common findings in patients are fever, swelling of the lymph nodes and skin rashes, Dr. Lecturer. Prof. Dr. Mehmet Zeki Boztaş said, “While the incubation period lasts an average of 5-21 days, the full recovery period can take 2-4 weeks. In those who survive the disease, there is no trace of wounds on the skin. Type 1 MCV is more severe, while Type 2 MCV is mild. While the disease rarely causes permanent damage to some organs, the mortality rate has been reported to be between 0 and 10 percent in various outbreaks. Among the conditions that increase the likelihood of death are the transmission of the more dangerous Type 1 MSV, the fact that a rodent carrying a germ has bitten or scratched the person, the person is sensitive to this virus, the high rate of microbes taken into the body and the weak immune system of the person.”
“While the smallpox vaccine creates immunity against the disease, the chickenpox vaccine does not provide immunity”
Stating that those in the risk group should be careful against the disease, Dr. Lecturer. Prof. Dr. Mehmet Zeki Boztaş said, “Infants and children between the ages of 0-5, the elderly, pregnant women and people whose immune system is weakened for any reason should be careful as they are more sensitive to the disease. People younger than 40 are more susceptible to this microbe than those older than 50. Because it is known that the smallpox vaccine, which was administered to all citizens in our country until 1980, provides 85 percent immunity against MCDV. The chickenpox vaccine, which is frequently on the agenda, does not provide immunity against MCV because the chickenpox virus belongs to a completely different group.”
Dr. Lecturer. Prof. Dr. Mehmet Zeki Boztaş listed the ways of protection from the M-flower virus item by item:
“1-Contact with patients with fever and rash should be avoided, if contact is to be made, gloves and masks should be used.
2-The clothes, bed sheets and towels of people with the disease should not be used.
3 - Do not use glasses, forks, spoons and plates that patients have been in contact with.
4-Sexual contact with infected individuals should be avoided as the disease can also be transmitted sexually.
5-Wash hands frequently with soap and water or use alcohol-based disinfectants to protect against the virus.
6- Avoid contact with wild animals against the risk of the virus.
7-Care should be taken to cook meat thoroughly.
8-Individuals with monkeypox virus should isolate themselves and stay at home, if they must go out, it should be for a short time and clothes that will cover the wounds on the skin surface should be preferred.
9-The isolation period should last until the whole body lesions are completely healed (average 4 weeks)”.
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