Ministry of Health made official statement on mpox virus situation

Following the announcement by the World Health Organization (WHO) of a "emergency" in connection with the spread of the monkey pox virus (mpox), the Ministry of Health of Turkey issued a statement on this issue. The following statements were made: "In 2024 there was not one mpox case in Turkey. In our country there is no need for any restrictions or additional measures. The necessary research is conducted by our ministry, taking into account the opinion of the scientific council.

Previously, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhan Gebreyesus announced that the WHO Emergency Committee had accepted a recommendation that the monkey pox virus was an extreme public health hazard of international concern. The Gebreiesus stated that the virus has the potential to spread in Africa and other regions. This year, the number of reported cases exceeded 14,000, and the mortality from this disease was 524 people, which is significantly higher than last year’s figure.

The virus is transmitted to humans from rodents, such as mice and proteins, or from infected humans. Contact with the virus-induced bodily discharge, use of clothing, sheets, towels and similar items contaminated by these discharges, as well as contact with body fluids are some of the most common causes of virus transmission. The first symptoms may appear 5-21 days after infection. The virus usually causes high temperature, head, back and muscle pain, swelling of the lymph nodes, fatigue, chills and blisters on the skin similar to chicken pox.