The fact that no cases of monkeypox have been observed in our country should not lead to complacency.

Experts have stated that there is no need to feel relaxed due to the absence of the M-virus, commonly known as monkeypox, in our country, emphasizing that there is no need for panic but caution should still be exercised.

The M-virus, known as monkeypox, emerged years ago in West and Central Africa, and in recent months, the World Health Organization sent warnings to countries regarding the pandemic risk. Dr. Doğaç Uğurcan, an Infectious Diseases Specialist at Medicana Konya Hospital, warned that while the M-virus has not been encountered in our country currently, precautions should not be overlooked.

Dr. Doğaç Uğurcan provided information about the monkeypox virus, stating, “The monkeypox virus is a virus that has been seen in various forms in West and Central Africa for years. The world has actually been aware of its existence. It was a disease that was rarely seen since the vaccination against smallpox began in the 1980s. However, particularly starting in 2020, as cases related to the monkeypox virus began in Africa, they started to appear in various countries in Europe as well, leading to warnings from the World Health Organization about the pandemic risk worldwide. Of course, Turkey is also among these countries. One of the biggest reasons for this situation is the ease of travel and transportation, allowing people to move easily from one country to another. We experienced this situation with Covid as well. Diseases can circulate between countries very easily. The monkeypox virus is primarily an animal-origin virus. However, it can also infect other warm-blooded mammals. Therefore, transmission can occur from animals to humans and from humans to other humans,” he said.

“It can start on the face and spread to the entire body”
Dr. Doğaç Uğurcan noted that the monkeypox virus is transmitted through close contact, stating, “People are very anxious due to their experience with Covid-19. Close contact is important for transmission. Close contact can include hugging, kissing, or shaking hands. Being in a closed space together for a long time can lead to transmission, and if sexual contact occurs, this can also happen. Therefore, we need to be a little careful. One of the things that reassures us is that patients always have various complaints. It starts with high fever, sore throat, and joint pain, followed by the appearance of different pustule-like, wart-like lesions within 2-3 days, which can start on the face and spread to the entire body. When these lesions start to appear, people may panic and immediately seek medical help, wondering, ‘Is there a different disease here, could it be monkeypox?'” he explained.

“The disease lasts an average of 2 to 4 weeks”
Stating that the disease is particularly dangerous for children, Dr. Doğaç Uğurcan said, “It is risky for newborns and can be severe. It can be a bit more severe for elderly patients and those with weakened immune systems. The course of this disease lasts on average 2 to 4 weeks. If there are no different complications, it heals by the end of 4 weeks. However, due to the rapid transmission, caution should be exercised.”

“The absence of cases does not mean it will not be seen”
Dr. Doğaç Uğurcan reminded that there has been no confirmed case reported by the Ministry of Health in our country, stating, “According to the published updated guidelines, samples must be sent from suspected cases to confirm the diagnosis. What diseases could be most confused with in our country? Especially as we are entering the autumn period, it would be beneficial for specialists to make differential diagnoses for rash diseases like chickenpox. There is no need for great panic regarding this disease, but precautions should never be neglected. The absence of cases does not mean that it will not be seen in the future.”