Monkeypox, which is being followed with concern around the world, has not yet been seen in Turkey. However, the quarantine of a foreign national in a hotel in Beyoğlu the other day on suspicion of Monkeypox brought hearts to our mouths. The Istanbul Provincial Health Directorate announced that no virus was detected in the examination of the samples taken from the suspect. The images that emerged during the quarantine of the suspect person in Beyoğlu by health officials reminded us of the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic. The statement made by the Provincial Health Directorate said; “The person was transferred to the hospital for the necessary examination and medical examinations in accordance with health protocols. As a result of the necessary examination, tests and test results, it was determined that the person did not have monkeypox.” It was also learned that the suspect person in Beyoğlu had an allergic reaction that was confused with the symptoms of Monkeypox.
WHERE IN THE WORLD IS IT AVAILABLE?
While monkeypox virus is on the rise in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the epidemic has also reached countries in the African sub-region. More than 17,000 cases have been confirmed across Africa so far. Outside of Africa, confirmed cases have also been announced in the United States, Canada, Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Argentina, Mexico, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. Many European Union countries have also announced their confirmed case numbers.
WHAT WILL Türkiye DO?
Although the virus was not detected in the Beyoğlu case, it would not be surprising if the ‘Monkey Pox’, which continues to spread in many parts of the world, also appeared in Turkey. However, according to doctors, we will not be faced with a situation that will require taking as strict measures as during the Covid-19 pandemic. In fact, the Ministry of Health also reported that there is no need for any restrictions or additional measures in Turkey.
TIGHT AND CLOSE CONTACT
Infectious disease specialist Dr. Duran Tok explained to Haber Global Web Özel what needs to be done first-hand in the country in the face of a possible case of Monkeypox:
“Monkey Pox does not spread as aggressively as Covid-19. It is a disease that is mostly transmitted through contact. For this, there needs to be close and intimate contact. The risk of transmission through inhalation is extremely low. It can be transmitted mostly by particles released through secretions circulating in the air. For this reason, there is no need to panic and take drastic measures as much as Covid-19. Our people need to be conscious about this issue and pay attention to the places they touch. Gloves can be used in outdoor environments if necessary. It is important that we do not touch it everywhere and apply it to our hands and face.“
Smallpox Vaccine Details
Infectious diseases specialist Prof. Dr. Bülent Ertuğrul also provided the following information on how to intervene in risky cases:
“We should not panic. There is a lot of entry into our country from abroad. We do not know how those coming from Africa are inspected. Therefore, it may be inevitable that it will come to our country in some way. The World Health Organization recommends that those who will intervene in suspected cases should be chosen from those who have previously been vaccinated against smallpox. This vaccine provides 85 percent protection. This is actually the first precaution. People born before 1980 who have been vaccinated against smallpox are highly protected against this disease. Although protection rates have decreased, it still provides protection. “I don’t think there is a risk that this disease will suddenly infect tens of thousands of people.”
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