Experts stated that there is no need to panic because the M-virus, popularly known as monkeypox, is not seen in our country, but that precautions should also be followed.
In recent months, the World Health Organization has sent warnings to countries about the risk of pandemic by the World Health Organization regarding the M-virus, popularly known as monkeypox, which emerged in West and Central Africa years ago. Medicana Konya Hospital Infectious Diseases Specialist Dr. Lecturer. Prof. Dr. Doğaç Uğurcan warned that while M-virus is not currently found in our country, caution should not be left unattended.
Infectious Diseases Specialist Dr. Lecturer. Prof. Dr. Doğaç Uğurcan gave information about the monkeypox virus and said, “Monkeypox virus is a virus that has been seen in different forms for years, especially in West and Central Africa. In fact, the whole world knew about its existence. It was a very rare disease since the 1980s, especially with vaccination against smallpox. However, when the recent cases of monkeypox virus, especially in 2020, started to be seen in different countries in Europe, the World Health Organization warned the whole world about the risk of pandemic. Of course, Turkey is also among these countries. One of the biggest reasons for this situation is the ease of travel and transportation, people can easily move from one country to another. We also experienced this situation in Covid. Diseases can travel between countries very easily. Monkeypox virus is normally a virus originating from animals. However, it can also be transmitted to other mammals and warm-blooded mammals. Therefore, it can be transmitted from animals to humans and from humans to other humans.”
“It can start on the face and spread to the whole body”
Stating that the monkeypox virus is transmitted by close contact, Dr. Lecturer. Prof. Dr. Doğaç Uğurcan said, “People are very worried about the Covid-19 experience. Close contact is also important for us in terms of transmission. Close contact can also be like hugging, kissing, handshaking. There may be transmission in being together for a long time in a closed environment in the same house, and this may be the case if there is sexual contact. Therefore, we need to be a little careful. One of the things that comforts us here is that patients have various complaints. It starts with high fever, sore throat, joint pains and within 2-3 months, lesions in the form of different pustules and warts as seen in the photographs begin. It can start on the face and spread to all parts of the body. When these lesions start to appear, people are afraid of 'there is a different disease here, could I have monkeypox?' and immediately apply to a health institution.”
“The disease lasts on average 2 or 4 weeks”
Stating that the disease is especially dangerous for the child age group, Dr. Lecturer. Prof. Dr. Doğaç Uğurcan said, “It is risky for newborns, it progresses slowly. It can be a little more severe for elderly patients and patients with weak immune systems. The process of this disease takes an average of 2 or 4 weeks. If there are no different complications, it gets better after 4 weeks. However, since the spread is rapid, some caution is needed,” he said.
“Just because there are no cases yet does not mean that it will not be seen”
Prof. Dr. Assist. Prof. Dr. Doğaç Uğurcan reminded that there is no clear case reported by the Ministry of Health in our country and said, “In line with the current published guidelines, samples must be sent from suspicious patients and the diagnosis must be confirmed. Which diseases can be confused with the most in our country? Especially as we are entering the autumn period, it is useful that the differential diagnosis of rash diseases such as chickenpox should be made by specialist doctors. There is no reason for a great panic for this disease, but we should never lose caution. Just because there have been no cases yet does not mean that it will not be seen in the future.”
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