What you need to know about mpox: How to protect yourself from the virus?

12PUNTO FOREIGN NEWS

Health Ministry officials in Turkey have announced that a sample was taken from an individual in Istanbul due to suspicion of mpox. World Health Organization (WHO) officials, who are focusing on the possibility of the mpox virus turning into an epidemic, have released an announcement explaining what precautions should be taken to protect against the virus. The WHO also provided assessments regarding the possibility of mpox turning into an international pandemic.

The outbreak, which began to be seen widely in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, had also started to appear in various countries around the world in recent weeks. Most recently, two days ago, India reported that the mpox virus was detected in a person who had been hospitalized.

Finally, today (September 11, 2024), the Ministry of Health reported that a foreign national in Istanbul has been quarantined on suspicion of having the mpox virus. Authorities took samples from the rashes detected on the patient. The examination of the samples taken will reveal whether the mpox virus has been seen in Turkey.

On the other hand, the WHO has published a report on the mpox virus. The key points in the WHO report are as follows:

'Mpox is a viral disease caused by the mpox virus, a species of the 'Orthopoxvirus' genus, formerly known as monkeypox. In 2022–2023, mpox began to turn into a global outbreak. Mpox continues to be a threat today, and the increase in cases observed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and other countries is causing concern. Vaccines are available for mpox. Vaccination should be considered in conjunction with other public health interventions.' 

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF THE DISEASE?

Common symptoms of mpox include fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and skin rashes or mucosal lesions that can last for 2-4 weeks, accompanied by swollen lymph nodes. 

In most of the recorded cases, the finding of skin rash was specifically detected.

Furthermore, it is reported that because patients do not pay attention to symptoms such as muscle and headaches, most cases are detected in the advanced stages of the disease, and treatment begins late.

HOW IS MPOX TRANSMITTED?

Mpox can be transmitted through close contact with someone who has the virus, with contaminated materials, or with infected animals. The virus can pass to the fetus during pregnancy or to the newborn during or after birth.

Mpox is treated with supportive care for symptoms such as pain and fever, with close attention to nutrition, fluid intake, skin care, prevention of secondary infections, and treatment of co-infections, including HIV if present.

News Source: 12punto