Are the images from Sakarya accurate? 12punto investigates: Has a monkeypox (Mpox) case been detected in Turkey?

Burak DEMİRBAŞ-12punto.com.tr /EXCLUSIVE

While the monkeypox (mpox) virus, for which the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a public health emergency, continues to spread in Africa, the first case was reported in Sweden yesterday and in Pakistan this morning.

While flights from the Democratic Republic of Congo, where nearly 15 thousand cases have been reported so far, continue to Turkey, a striking claim was made on social media.

According to the news reported by Medyabar, a Senegalese national was placed under quarantine at Sakarya Training and Research Hospital due to suspected monkeypox (mpox) after blister-like lesions were found on their skin.

Following the emergence of these images, Sakarya Medical Chamber President Dr. Gökhan Gedikli spoke to 12punto and confirmed the suspicious situation in question.

'THERE IS NO DEFINITIVE SITUATION'

Gedikli stated the following:

"A diagnosis has not been made. There is a visual similarity in the lesions. In fact, the information obtained so far suggests it is not monkeypox. There is a suspected case, and initial examinations suggest it is not, but there is no definitive situation yet."

QUARANTINE IS BEING APPLIED

"The case is currently being evaluated by Infectious Diseases at the Training and Research Hospital. A quarantine is being applied to the patient as a precautionary measure."

IT IS NOT MONKEYPOX, IT IS LUPUS

In a statement made by the Sakarya Provincial Health Directorate, it was noted that "The patient has been evaluated by Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology specialists, and it has been understood that the symptoms mentioned in the allegations are not compatible with the disease known as M-pox (monkeypox)."

The statement continued as follows:

“Following the news reports in various media outlets titled ‘A person was quarantined in Sakarya on suspicion of monkeypox!’, it has been deemed necessary to make a statement to inform the public. It has been determined that the Senegalese national patient, who is the subject of the news in the press, has a history of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), also known as Lupus disease, which has been ongoing for two years, and the patient's SLE treatment is continuing. The patient has been evaluated by Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology specialists, and it has been understood that the symptoms mentioned in the allegations are not compatible with the disease known as M-pox (monkeypox). Respectfully announced to the public.”

When we reached Gedikli again following the Provincial Health Directorate's statement, he confirmed that the patient is of African origin and is in the country for health tourism, and that the patient has Lupus, not monkeypox.