Gaziantep Private Anka Hospital Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Specialist. Dr. Nagihan Demir gave information and warnings about the Mpox Virus, also known as monkeypox, seen in the African continent.
A new one has been added to the epidemics that affect the world. After COVID-19, now the Monkeypox (Mpox) virus has broken out. The World Health Organization (WHO) has called for an emergency regarding the Mpox virus. Minister of Health Kemal Memişoğlu also made a statement regarding the monkeypox virus spreading rapidly in the world. Minister Memişoğlu emphasized that the virus is not widespread in our country, but that the necessary measures have been taken against a possible outbreak and that there is currently no alarm situation. Anka Hospital Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Specialist. Dr. Nagihan Demir gave information about the disease and listed the measures to be taken
“The virus enters healthy people through invisible cracks/scratches in the skin or through the respiratory system”
Dr. Demir said, “Just when we say that the coronavirus ‘effect has passed and life has returned to normal’, this time we are faced with the monkeypox virus. Mpox disease is transmitted to humans as a result of close contact with infected animals, infected humans or inanimate objects contaminated with the virus (clothes, towels, sheets, etc.). The virus enters healthy people through invisible cracks/scratches in the skin, mucous membranes (mouth, nose, eyes) or respiratory system. Transmission from infected animals to humans (zoonotic) can occur through bites, scratching, contact with the animal's blood and body fluids or flesh, direct contact with lesions or indirectly through contaminated inanimate material. Human-to-human transmission of the virus is known to occur mainly through direct contact with the body fluids and skin lesions of the infected person or indirectly through the skin and mucous membranes by contact with contaminated inanimate material. Mpox causes fever, headache, fatigue, generalized body aches, swollen lymph nodes and skin lesions (rashes). The symptoms appear on average 6-13 days after contact with the virus. Skin rashes appear within 1-3 days after the onset of fever and are more common on the face, arms and legs than on the trunk. Lesions can be found on the palms and soles of the feet, in the mouth, genital area and eyes. Skin rashes heal spontaneously within 2-4 weeks. The disease may be severe in people with suppressed immune system.”
“Face-to-face and close contact should be avoided”
Stating that the disease should not be taken lightly, Anka Hospital Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Specialist. Dr. Nagihan Demir said, “In order to be protected from the Mpox virus, distance should be considered. Face-to-face and close contact should be avoided. It is important that people who will come into contact with sick people or their surroundings use gloves and masks. Hygiene should be given importance, hands should be washed frequently. Mpox virus is a disease that can spread through kissing, contact, skin contact and droplet spread. It can also be transmitted through items that an infected person has been in contact with, such as clothes, sheets and towels. There is no definitive treatment for Mpox yet. However, the disease usually ends when the rash disappears within 2 to 4 weeks. Precautions against this disease are vital. Personal precautions and social awareness can prevent the spread of the disease. If you experience any symptoms of the disease, you can contact a health facility and get checked by a doctor. Detection of the disease at an early stage is very important to prevent its contagiousness.”
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