524 people lost their lives! WHO declared Monkeypox virus as an international public health emergency.

The Director-General of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said, "The WHO Emergency Committee met today and advised me that the situation regarding the Monkeypox virus constitutes a public health emergency of international concern. I have accepted this advice."

"THERE IS A STABLE INCREASE IN CASES, 524 PEOPLE HAVE DIED"

Ghebreyesus made evaluations after the Emergency Committee meeting organized by the WHO in the face of the possibility of further international spread of the Monkeypox virus in Africa and other regions.

Ghebreyesus noted that cases related to the Monkeypox virus have been reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo for more than 10 years, and there has been a stable increase in the number of cases reported each year.

Ghebreyesus said, "The number of cases reported last year increased significantly. So far this year, the number of reported cases is more than 14,000. There have been 524 deaths related to the disease, surpassing the total of last year."

Ghebreyesus also noted that the committee's recommendation is consistent with the African Union's declaration of a public health emergency across the continent against the rapidly spreading Monkeypox virus in African countries.

"NO ALARM IS CURRENTLY PRESENT," SAYS HEALTH MINISTER

Answering questions about the Monkeypox virus and COVID-19, Health Minister Prof. Dr. Kemal Memişoğlu said, "We are following the developments regarding Monkeypox and COVID. However, we currently do not have any alarm situation."

THE VIRUS IS TRANSMITTED FROM RODENTS OR INFECTED INDIVIDUALS

The Monkeypox virus is transmitted from rodents such as mice and squirrels or from infected individuals. Touching the body rashes caused by the virus, using clothes, sheets, towels, and similar items contaminated with these rashes, and coming into contact with body fluids are among the most important transmission factors.

The initial symptoms can appear between 5 to 21 days after contracting the virus. The virus usually causes high fever, headache, back and muscle pain, swelling of the lymph nodes, fatigue, chills, tremors, and blister-like lesions on the skin.

There is no specific treatment for the disease, and it is treated with antiviral drugs. The majority of cases have a mild course and recover their health within a few weeks.

The World Health Organization changed the name of the disease to "Monkeypox" in 2022 due to concerns about racism and discrimination.