Assoc. Prof.Kaan Yılancıoğlu: "The monkeypox virus spreads from person to person through close contact"

The monkeypox virus has spread outside the African continent. The World Health Organization has reported that Sweden has confirmed its first case of monkeypox outside the African region.

Noting that monkeypox is transmitted by very close contact, Assoc. Prof. Kaan Yılancıoğlu stated that "Generally, body fluid contact is required, which is different from Covid and probably fewer cases will be seen, and it will be more difficult to spread and easier to control."

Üsküdar University Graduate School of Addiction and Forensic Sciences Biosafety Department Head Assoc. Prof. Kaan Yılancıoğlu made evaluations about the disease after Sweden confirmed the first case of monkeypox virus (Mpox) outside the African region by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Mpox spreads from person to person through close contact with an infected person

Noting that the transmission of monkeypox through the respiratory tract is rare, but very close contact is necessary, Assoc. Prof. Kaan Yılancıoğlu said that "Generally, body fluid contact is required, which is different from Covid and probably fewer cases will be seen, and it will be more difficult to spread and easier to control. Mpox spreads from person to person through close contact with an infected person. This includes sexual intercourse, skin contact, and talking or breathing near the infected person. The virus can also be transmitted through open wounds, the respiratory tract or through the eyes, nose or mouth."

It is unlikely to cause a major pandemic

Stating that a closure situation is not expected due to monkeypox, but there may be some restrictions such as wearing a mask, Assoc. Prof. Kaan Yılancıoğlu expressed that "It is unlikely that the disease will cause a major pandemic."

Who is most at risk?

Explaining that the disease is a modified Modified Vaccinia Ankara (MVA-BN) containing a virus that has been modified so that it cannot reproduce in the human body, and that it is given in 2 doses at least 28 days apart for people aged 18 and over, Assoc. Prof. Kaan Yılancıoğlu listed who is most at risk as follows:

"Newborn infants, children, pregnant women and people with underlying immune deficiencies, the immunocompromised elderly may be at greater risk of severe illness and death."

The smallpox vaccine has not been administered since 1980

Giving information about the recovery in monkeypox, Assoc. Prof. Kaan Yılancıoğlu stated that "The recovery period of monkeypox is between 2-4 weeks. It is reported that the smallpox vaccine will provide up to 85 percent protection. However, the smallpox vaccine has not been administered since 1980."

There is no medicine and no cure

Assoc. Prof. Kaan Yılancıoğlu pointed out that severe illness can be seen in immunocompromised people and young children and stated that "In general, 1-6 percent of people who get sick unfortunately, mostly young children, die. In the Central African subtype (lineage 1), lethality can be as high as 11 percent. Again, these numbers are much less for healthy people. There is no medicine and no cure."

 

Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)