Only One Case Of Mers Diagnosed İn Turkey

Turkey has had only one case of the Coronavirus infection, or MERS-CoV, and no cases of Ebola infection," the Director General of Turkey's Health for Border and Coastal Areas said on Friday.



In a statement on Friday, Director Husem Hatipoglu said that news about outbreaks of Ebola and Coronavirus, has become one of the main issues on the world's agenda and the public's fear of the diseases has increased as a result.



Hatipoglu stated however that there was no need to panic.



 "The Ministry of Health has taken all necessary measures to protect out citizens," Hatipoglu says.



MERS is a viral respiratory illness, the symptoms of which include a fever, cough or shortness of breath, may resemble flu symptoms, but shortness of breath appears after some time as well. 



The vast majority of cases have been reported in Saudi Arabia and other countries in the Arabian peninsula, with a smaller number around the world thought to have been spread by visitors to the region.



Turkey's health ministry presents measures needed to be taken on its website (www.seyahatsagligi.gov.tr) and through a special travel health advice line. It has prepared a guidebook about the diagnosis and treatment of the virus.



Turks who went to Hajj or Umrah are under particular threat of being infected with the virus and are being monitored by family doctors across the country.



Like other infectious diseases, MERS spreads quickly in crowded spaces, posing a particular risk during the Hajj.



Citizens are asked to pay special attention to hygiene rules, including washing hands and covering the nose or mouth when sneezing/coughing.



Over 300 people have died so far from the disease. Saudi Arabia has been worst hit by the virus infection. Along with Saudi Arabia, MERS has also been reported in countries as far apart as Egypt, Germany, Greece, the United Kingdom and the United States.



No vaccine is currently available for MERS. Treatment is supportive and is based on the patient's condition, the World Health Organization says. 



www.aa.com.tr/en - Konya