16.08.2024 20:30
The World Health Organization (WHO) declared a global emergency due to the "monkeypox" virus, and Infectious Diseases Specialist Prof. Dr. Vedat Turhan issued a critical warning. Turhan stated, "Especially in international hotels, where tourists come and there is a high circulation, if there is still an individual infected with the monkeypox virus, the virus can spread to the areas that the person frequently comes into contact with. Officials, staff, and those using the facilities in tourist centers and hotels need to be very careful."
Infectious Diseases Specialist Prof. Dr. Vedat Turhan issued a warning about the "monkeypox" virus, which has caused an alarm worldwide, stating, "Especially in international hotels, where tourists come and there is a high circulation, if there is still an individual infected with the monkeypox virus, the virus can spread to the points that the person frequently comes into contact with. Officials, staff, and those using the facilities in tourism centers and hotels need to be very careful."
EMERGENCY SITUATION DUE TO "MONKEYPOX" VIRUS The World Health Organization's (WHO) declaration of a "global emergency" for the second time since 2022 regarding the virus known as "monkeypox" in the public caused concern worldwide. While the Ministry of Health stated that the virus, which is seen especially in the African continent, has not been encountered in Turkey in 2024 and there is no need for any restrictions or additional measures, experts are warning.
Infectious Diseases Specialist Prof. Dr. Vedat Turhan, while providing information about the virus, stated that the disease is not as contagious as Covid-19. Prof. Dr. Turhan listed his warnings, emphasizing the need to be careful, especially in tourism areas, against the virus that has alarmed the world.
Prof. Dr. Vedat Turhan "SIMILAR SYMPTOMS TO SMALLPOX" Providing information about the monkeypox virus, Infectious Diseases Specialist Prof. Dr. Vedat Turhan said, "The monkeypox virus is not actually a new virus. It posed a threat in epidemic proportions for the first time in 2022. It started to infect and spread to humans. Currently, it has become a global risk that will surpass the borders of Africa. In addition to symptoms such as fever, weakness, and fatigue, it can also cause fluid-filled blisters, especially on the face, as well as inflammation."
"CAN BE CONFUSED WITH RASH-CAUSING DISEASES LIKE CHICKENPOX" These types of skin lesions are also present, and it is necessary to be careful. Symptoms such as fever, weakness, and fatigue can be seen in many infectious diseases. It can be confused with many diseases such as influenza, seasonal illnesses, and the common cold. Especially during the period when the rashes start, it can be confused with rash-causing diseases, especially childhood diseases like chickenpox.
"A DEADLY DISEASE" The lymph nodes can also be affected in monkeypox. It is crucial to determine whether our patient has recently traveled to an African country or has had contact with individuals coming from Africa. One reason for the World Health Organization to raise this global level of transmission risk is that it can be a deadly disease.
"SUPPORTIVE TREATMENTS CAN BE APPLIED AT THE MOMENT" Speaking about the number of cases and treatment, Prof. Dr. Turhan said the following: "As of now, the reported number of cases is around 15-16 thousand. There is a risk of death of about 3 percent. As far as I know, there is a serious problem with vaccines in African countries. Logistics support cannot be provided for antivirals developed in recent years, they cannot be procured. At the moment, supportive treatments can be applied, and it is advisable to keep the immune systems strong. It is beneficial to avoid contact with suspicious individuals' hands and skin. We need to continue our handwashing habits properly and as necessary."
"IT WOULD BE BENEFICIAL TO TAKE PRECAUTIONS IN OUR COUNTRY, BUT NOT IN A CRISIS" We are aware that there is transmission between partners after sexual intercourse. We know that those who have been vaccinated against smallpox are protected against this disease. The reintroduction of the smallpox vaccine, which has been abandoned since 1980, may come on the agenda again. At this stage, we can consider this problem primarily as a problem for the African continent. There are precautions that need to be taken in our country as well. It is not as contagious as Covid, and I never think it is in a crisis situation.
"BE CAREFUL DURING VISITS TO AFRICA" There is global mobility, both in tourism and in commercial and industrial sectors, and it is difficult to prevent it. However, it is necessary to be careful during visits to Africa, both on arrival and departure. There are certain precautions that our citizens, as well as our institutions and airlines, need to take from customs onwards. Perhaps some precautions can be taken, including the seating arrangement on the plane, but I never think that a lockdown is necessary.
"THOSE INFECTED WITH THE DISEASE SHOULD ISOLATE THEMSELVES AS SOON AS POSSIBLE" We know that it progresses more severely in individuals with problems related to their immune system. One reason for the World Health Organization to issue a global alarm is that the newly emerged variant can spread more easily. We know that the spread of infection can be limited by individuals who have contracted the disease isolating themselves as soon as possible."
ATTENTION TO TOURISM AREAS! Prof. Dr. Turhan, who warned the public during this period of intense tourism activity, said the following: "Especially in international hotels, if an individual infected with the monkeypox virus has stayed there, the virus can spread to certain places in the patient's room, especially to points where the skin frequently comes into contact, such as sheets and pillowcases. It is necessary to be very careful in hotels in this regard."
I think it is important to wash and iron the beds, sheets, and pillowcases more carefully.
Guests should also be careful at this point. Another area is tourism centers. We mentioned 13 countries in Africa, but this virus is likely spread to 75 countries worldwide, and there may be areas infected by individuals coming from these countries. There is no need for a lockdown in the summer, but there are areas where we need to be careful. It is beneficial for both the officials and staff working in tourism centers and hotels, as well as the tourists and our citizens using these facilities, to be cautious. ".