Latest Developments About Monkeypox Virus
Concerns about the spread of monkeypox virus continue to grow, with statements that the virus is spreading more quickly than before and has high mortality rates. Dr. HarrisHe emphasized that this virus is especially dangerous for individuals and children with weak immune systems. Currently, there is no specific treatment for monkeypox; However, it is reported that supportive treatment methods are used for patients exposed to the virus.
Harris stated that monkeypox cases generally spread through contact, and that patients infected with this virus should be careful about their contacts. He also pointed out that the reporting of the first case of monkeypox in Sweden demonstrates the effectiveness of the health monitoring system in the country. “Sweden was transparent about the first case identified; other countries should follow suit,” Harris said.
Public Health Emergency
Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO) Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesushad decided to convene the WHO Emergency Committee on August 14 due to the increasing potential of the monkeypox virus to spread internationally in Africa and other regions. In his post-meeting evaluation, he said, “The WHO Emergency Committee met today and gave me its advisory opinion that the situation regarding monkeypox virus constitutes a public health emergency of international importance. I accepted this recommendation.”
Additionally, the African Union announced that it has declared a continent-wide public health emergency against the monkeypox virus, which is rapidly spreading in African countries.
Ways of Transmission of the Virus
Monkeypox virus can be transmitted from infected rodents (such as mice, squirrels) or individuals carrying the virus. The main reasons for the spread of the virus include touching body rashes, using items such as clothes, sheets, towels contaminated with these rashes, and contact with body fluids.
Symptoms of the virus usually appear within 5 to 21 days after infection and include symptoms such as high fever, headache and muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, chills, chills and blisters on the skin similar to chickenpox. The treatment of this disease, which does not have a specific treatment method, is usually carried out with antiviral drugs. Most cases have mild illness and recover within a few weeks.
WHO changed the name “monkeypox” to “mpox” in 2022 due to racism and discrimination concerns.
