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Mpox claims in the capital: Statement from the Ankara Provincial Health Directorate

It was alleged that 4 people were quarantined in Ankara due to suspected mpox. The TTB Secretary General and the President of the Ankara Medical Chamber spoke to 12punto regarding the matter. The Ankara Provincial Health Directorate, however, reported that the mpox claims are unfounded.

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Minister of Health Kemal Memişoğlu had previously made the statement "I hope it does not come to Turkey" regarding the mpox virus, for which the WHO has declared a public health emergency.

ALLEGATION THAT 4 PEOPLE WERE QUARANTINED DUE TO SUSPICION

According to reports by Sözcü TV, 4 people were quarantined in two hospitals in Ankara on suspicion of having mpox. It was claimed that 3 people who applied to Bilkent City Hospital yesterday (August 21) were quarantined. Today, it was alleged that 1 patient who went to Etlik City Hospital is in quarantine due to suspicion.

STATEMENT TO 12PUNTO FROM THE TTB

Following the allegations, 12punto contacted the Turkish Medical Association and the President of the Ankara Medical Chamber.

Turkish Medical Association Secretary General Prof. Dr. Hilmi Önder Okay stated, "There is no confirmed information. Let's see as developments unfold; I do not want to speculate."

Ankara Medical Chamber President Aliye Mine Coşkun said, "We do not have clear information; we are investigating. We will make a statement when we learn more."

STATEMENT FROM THE ANKARA PROVINCIAL HEALTH DIRECTORATE

The Ankara Provincial Health Directorate issued a statement regarding the mpox quarantine allegations.

In the statement, it was said, "There are no patients in any of our health facilities in Ankara who have been quarantined due to suspected mpox disease. Such allegations are unfounded information aimed at creating an unnecessary atmosphere of panic."

DMM: DO NOT GIVE CREDIT TO THESE CLAIMS

The Center for Combating Disinformation (DMM), affiliated with the Presidency's Directorate of Communications, shared the statement from the Ankara Provincial Health Directorate and denied the mpox allegations.

The following statements were included in the announcement made by the DMM:

"The allegation that '4 people were quarantined in Ankara on suspicion of mpox,' which appeared in some media outlets and was shared on social media accounts, is not true.

There are no patients in any health facility in Ankara who have been quarantined due to suspected mpox disease.

Necessary information is being provided transparently by the relevant units of the Ministry of Health.

Do not give credit to unfounded allegations aimed at manipulating the public."