Will schools be closed due to the new epidemic?

At the Emergency Committee Meeting held by the World Health Organization, it was reported that monkeypox disease constitutes a public health emergency of international importance. The disease, which was declared a global emergency for the second time in three years and this time is more deadly than the previous ones, was detected in 13 African countries, especially Congo.

According to the statement made by the Ministry of Health; There was no monkeypox case in Turkey in 2024, and there are currently no additional measures and restrictions. Evaluations will be made according to new developments along with the follow-ups and examinations carried out by the scientific committee.

What is Monkeypox Virus (Mpox)?

Family Medicine Specialist Dr. from LifeClub Healthy Living Services. Iyigun GedikHe said the following about monkeypox, which has caused concern all over the world: “Monkeypox is a virus that was first isolated from a monkey colony in 1950 and can cause disease in humans and animals. The initial source of the monkeypox virus is unknown, but it is thought to have originated from wild animals and rodents living in Africa. Monkeys and humans are incidental hosts of the virus. It was first seen in humans as a disease in the Democratic Republic of Congo in the 1970s.

It first spread as an epidemic around the world in America in 2003. In the second epidemic in 2022, multiple countries were affected and became the focus of concerns with widespread human-to-human transmission.

It has been reported by the World Health Organization that the smallpox vaccine, which was available until 1980, may also be effective in stopping the spread of monkeypox. “It is thought that stopping smallpox vaccination may increase susceptibility to monkeypox and cases may develop for this reason.”

How is it transmitted?

From LifeClub physicians, who point out that the transmission rate of the disease is high Family Medicine Specialist Dr. Iyigun Gedik“In cases where monkeypox virus is seen, a history of travel to Africa or close contact with sick people comes to the fore. In the epidemic in 2022, transmission through sexual contact came to the fore, and a history of sexual contact was detected in most of those affected by monkeypox virus. However, it should not be forgotten that transmission occurs not only through sexual contact, but also through close household contact and occupational exposure.

The virus, which enters the body through close contact through the skin and inhalation from the environment, begins to cause disease symptoms after an average incubation period of 5-13 days. First, a standard viral infection begins with fever, chills and muscle aches. Afterwards, the characteristic rash of the disease appears. Although rashes can be seen all over the skin, genital, anal and oral lesions may stand out. The rash first begins as 2-5 mm rashes, then turns into vesicles and pseudopustules filled with water and cell debris. It ends by forming a crust within 7 to 14 days. “The lesions may be painful at first and itching may develop during the crusting period,” he said.

What are the Diagnosis and Treatment Methods?

Specialist Dr. Iyigun Gedikstated that the diagnosis was made by producing a virus with a PCR test from samples taken from skin lesions and fluids, and added: “It is thought that some antiviral agents (tecovirimate, brinsidofovir, cidofovir) may be effective against monkeypox in the treatment. Although there is currently no definitive treatment, supportive treatments are applied.

Although it is thought that the smallpox vaccine will be effective against the disease, the smallpox vaccine is not used today. “There is a US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved vaccine developed against monkeypox.”

What should be done to protect yourself?

Also touching on the methods of protection against monkeypox virus Specialist Dr. Iyigun Gedikconcluded his words as follows: “It is necessary to avoid close contact with people who have the characteristic rash of monkeypox or with a history of travel to endemic areas, and to avoid contact with the linens and personal belongings of these people. “In case of close contact, standard protective measures should be applied.”