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Turkish health minister confirms no mpox cases detected, assures preparedness

Test tubes labelled
Test tubes labelled "Monkeypox virus positive" are seen in this illustration taken May 23, 2022. (Reuters Photo)
August 18, 2024 09:41 AM GMT+03:00

Türkiye's Health Minister Kemal Memisoglu addressed concerns about the rapidly spreading mpox virus in a recent television interview, reassuring that no cases have been reported in Türkiye.

Mpox not detected in Türkiye

"We have no concerns about an epidemic disease. Currently, there is no alarm situation. Our citizens can be at ease. We are prepared as a healthcare system and have begun implementing all necessary controls and measures," he stated.

In his discussion on Haberturk, Minister Memisoglu confirmed that mpox, which originated in Africa and is now spreading globally, has not been detected in Türkiye in 2024.

WHO declares mpox outbreak a global health emergency, August 14, 2024. (Photo via World Health Organization)CCMusema, a laboratory nurse, takes a sample from a child declared a suspected case Mpox - an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus that spark-off a painful rash, enlarged lymph nodes and fever; at the the treatment centre in Munigi, following Mpox cases in Nyiragongo territory near Goma, North Kivu province, Democratic Republic of the Congo July 19, 2024. REUTERS/Arlette Bashizi/File Photo
WHO declares mpox outbreak a global health emergency, August 14, 2024. (Photo via World Health Organization)CCMusema, a laboratory nurse, takes a sample from a child declared a suspected case Mpox - an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus that spark-off a painful rash, enlarged lymph nodes and fever; at the the treatment centre in Munigi, following Mpox cases in Nyiragongo territory near Goma, North Kivu province, Democratic Republic of the Congo July 19, 2024. REUTERS/Arlette Bashizi/File Photo

"Our scientists and infrastructure confirm that no cases of the latest Mpox disease have been diagnosed in Türkiye so far. I want to make this clear to counter any unfounded fears. As of now, we have no cases, and we hope it remains that way," he emphasized.

Measures have been taken

The minister detailed the country's preparedness, noting that a scientific board has been established to manage the situation if the virus arrives. He mentioned that comprehensive plans and measures have been developed, including a guide for combating the disease.

Memisoglu highlighted that, unlike COVID-19, mpox is a DNA virus and generally spreads through prolonged contact rather than respiratory transmission.

He reassured that while the World Health Organization advises preparedness, there is no current indication that mpox will spread beyond its usual regions in Africa.

August 18, 2024 09:41 AM GMT+03:00
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