The World Health Organization has declared an international public health emergency due to the resurgence of monkeypox. Prof. Dr. Kıvanç Şerefhanoğlu from Altınbaş University gave important information about the symptoms of the disease, transmission routes and prevention measures, “According to available data, the mortality rate varies between 0.1 percent and 10 percent. The risk of severe disease and death is higher, especially in newborn babies, children, pregnant women and patients with immune disorders.”

On 14 August 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared an international public health emergency due to the resurgence of monkeypox (Mpox) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the rapidly rising number of cases in other countries on the African continent. WHO stated that a new monkeypox virus clan has emerged and this clan is spreading faster, emphasizing that international cooperation is essential to control the spread.

Infectious Diseases Specialist Prof. Dr. Kıvanç Şerefhanoğlu from Altınbaş University Faculty of Medicine explained the characteristics of monkeypox in detail. Prof. Dr. Şerefhanoğlu said, “Monkeypox is a viral infection caused by the monkeypox virus. It can be transmitted from humans to humans, rarely by touching infected surfaces and by contact with wild animals carrying the virus.”

Symptoms and severe cases

Prof. Dr. Şerefhanoğlu summarized the symptoms and different severity levels of the disease as follows:

“The disease usually starts with skin rashes lasting 2-4 weeks. The rashes are accompanied by fever, malaise, back pain and swollen lymph nodes. The rashes are in the form of fluid-filled sacs or festering sores and are usually located on the face, palms, soles of the feet, groin and anus. The number of sores can be a few or thousands.”

“While most cases heal spontaneously within a few weeks, in some cases the disease can be severe and carry a risk of death. According to available data, the mortality rate varies between 0.1 percent and 10 percent. The risk of severe disease and death is particularly high in newborn babies, children, pregnant women and immunocompromised patients. Severe disease can lead to complications such as multiple wounds in the eyes, mouth and genitals, bacterial infection of wounds and systemic infections.”

Transmission routes and prevention measures “Sick people should be isolated at home”

Prof. Dr. Şerefhanoğlu, who also gave information about the transmission routes and prevention measures of monkeypox, continued his words as follows:

“The risk of transmission of the disease increases with close contact with individuals carrying the virus. These contacts include close physical contact such as face-to-face conversation, skin contact and kissing. It can also be transmitted through items such as clothes, bedding and towels used by people with the disease. To prevent the spread of the disease, contact with infected individuals should be avoided, hands should be washed frequently and infected individuals should be isolated at home. It is also important to regularly clean common items, avoid sharing towels and sheets, and wash clothes at high temperatures.”

“There is no effective treatment”

Prof. Dr. Şerefhanoğlu stated that there is no effective treatment for monkeypox, but there are three different vaccines available and concluded by saying, “These vaccines are newer and safer forms of smallpox vaccines used in the past and are only recommended for individuals in the high-risk group.”