In his written statement, President Tatar said:
“As is known, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the monkeypox (Monkeypox/Mpox) virus outbreak affecting Africa a ‘Public Health Emergency of International Concern’ on Wednesday, August 14, 2024.
“While general information about the Monkeypox Virus and the associated disease has been shared following the global emergency declaration, no specific regulatory measures have yet been enacted to address the outbreak.
“Our primary responsibility as a nation is to take individual and collective actions to address this issue.
“In this context, as with any contagious disease, maintaining personal hygiene and avoiding close contact in public spaces should be our top priorities.
“Additionally, under the leadership of the Presidency and in line with the state’s fundamental duties to protect the health of our citizens and visitors, necessary consultations will be held as soon as possible with the Prime Ministry, the Ministry of Health, the High Committee on Infectious Diseases, the Ministry of National Education and Culture, the Immigration Department, the Cyprus Turkish Medical Association, the Cyprus Turkish Freelance Physicians Association, and other relevant institutions and organisations. A roadmap will be established, and the results will be shared with you, our esteemed citizens, and the media.
“During this time, it is crucial that our people rely on accurate information from authorised state bodies and not be misled by false statements about the monkeypox virus.
“I wish you all good health”.
*Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) can be contracted through several means, primarily involving direct contact with infected individuals or animals. Here’s a detailed overview of how Mpox can be transmitted:
- Direct Contact with Infected Individuals
Skin-to-Skin Contact: Mpox can spread through direct physical contact with the skin of an infected person, especially when they have active lesions or rashes.
Body Fluids: Contact with the bodily fluids (such as saliva or mucus) of an infected person can also facilitate the transmission of the virus.
- Contact with Contaminated Items
Shared Items: The virus can spread via contact with contaminated objects or surfaces, such as bedding, clothing, or other items that have been in contact with an infected person’s lesions or body fluids.
- Animal-to-Human Transmission
Wildlife: Mpox can be transmitted to humans through contact with infected animals, such as rodents or primates, which can harbour the virus. This can happen through handling infected animals or coming into contact with their bodily fluids, droppings, or other materials.
Animal Bites: Bites or scratches from infected animals can also lead to infection.
- Respiratory Droplets
Airborne Spread: While less common, Mpox may spread through respiratory droplets if an infected person coughs or sneezes. This mode of transmission is more likely to occur in close, prolonged contact.
- Close Contact Settings
Crowded Environments: In settings where people are in close quarters, such as households, healthcare facilities, or shelters, the risk of transmission increases, especially if hygiene and infection control measures are not strictly followed.
Preventive Measures
To reduce the risk of contracting Mpox:
Maintain Good Hygiene: Regular handwashing with soap and water, or using hand sanitizer, especially after contact with potentially contaminated surfaces.
Avoid Close Contact: Minimise physical contact with individuals showing symptoms of Mpox or with animals that could be infected.
Disinfect Surfaces: Clean and disinfect potentially contaminated items and surfaces regularly.
Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): In healthcare settings or areas with high risk of exposure, use appropriate PPE, such as gloves and masks.
If you suspect exposure to Mpox or develop symptoms, it’s important to seek medical advice promptly for testing and appropriate care. [Ed.]
