Monkeypox virus has jumped out of the African continent. The World Health Organization reported that Sweden confirmed its first monkeypox case outside the African region.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kaan Yılancıoğlu, noting that monkeypox disease is transmitted through very close contact, said, “Generally, body fluid contact is required, which makes it different from Covid, and probably fewer cases will be seen, and it will be harder to spread and easier to control.”
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kaan Yılancıoğlu, Head of the Biosecurity Department at Üsküdar University Institute of Addiction and Forensic Sciences, made assessments about the disease following the World Health Organization's (WHO) confirmation of Sweden's first monkeypox virus (Mpox) case outside the African region.
Mpox spreads from person to person through close contact with an infected individual
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kaan Yılancıoğlu, noting that respiratory transmission of monkeypox disease is rare but very close contact is necessary, stated, “Generally, body fluid contact is required, which makes it different from Covid, and probably fewer cases will be seen, and it will be harder 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 an infected person. The virus can also be transmitted through open wounds, the respiratory tract, or the eyes, nose, or mouth.”
A major pandemic is unlikely
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kaan Yılancıoğlu, stating that a lockdown is not expected due to monkeypox disease, but some restrictions like wearing masks might be in place, said, “It is unlikely that the disease will cause a major pandemic.”
Who is most at risk?
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kaan Yılancıoğlu explained that there is a modified Ankara strain vaccine (MVA-BN) containing a virus modified not to replicate in the human body, administered in 2 doses at least 28 days apart for individuals aged 18 and older, and listed who is most at risk as follows:
“Newborns, children, pregnant women, individuals with underlying immune deficiencies, and immune-compromised elderly people may be at higher risk for more severe disease and death.”
Smallpox vaccine has not been administered since 1980
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kaan Yılancıoğlu also provided information on recovery from monkeypox disease, stating, “The recovery period for monkeypox is between 2-4 weeks. The smallpox vaccine is reported to provide up to 85% protection. However, the smallpox vaccine has not been administered since 1980.”
No specific drug or treatment
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kaan Yılancıoğlu pointed out that severe disease can be observed in immunocompromised individuals and young children, concluding, “Generally, 1-6% of infected individuals, mostly young children, are unfortunately lost. In the Central African subtype (clade 1), mortality can reach up to 11%. It should be reiterated that these numbers are much lower for healthy individuals. There is no specific drug or treatment.”