Health Ministry: Monkeypox Medication Available in the TRNC

TRNC Health Minister Hakan Dinçyürek announced that medication for treating monkeypox is available in Northern Cyprus in case the disease spreads on the island. Efforts will be made to increase the supply of this medication if a large-scale outbreak occurs.

According to the Health Ministry's statement, the minister held a meeting with the Infection Control Committee the previous day.

After the meeting, the Health Minister discussed how monkeypox spreads, its signs and symptoms, and methods for detecting the disease.

Monkeypox is a viral infection that is usually transmitted to humans through close contact. The virus can spread from person to person through touching, kissing, sexual activity, or close contact with an infected person or animal.

The disease presents symptoms similar to those of smallpox but is generally milder. Symptoms may appear within 14 days after infection.

Symptoms include headaches, muscle pain, back discomfort, swollen lymph nodes, chills, and rash. The mortality rate is 4-5% for adults and 10% for children. High-risk groups include children under 1 year old, individuals with weakened immune systems, those with a history of eczema, and pregnant women.

Hakan Dinçyürek emphasized that the medication for treating monkeypox is available at the Ministry of Health, and efforts have begun to increase the stock of medication in case of a large-scale epidemic. He also noted that vaccination is recommended for high-risk groups worldwide and those in close contact with diagnosed cases.

The Health Minister highlighted that vaccination is advised for high-risk groups and those who have been in close contact with infected individuals.

Earlier, the Turkish Cypriot Medical Association called on the Health Ministry to implement mandatory monkeypox screenings upon entry to the TRNC. TRNC President Ersin Tatar has also addressed the virus outbreak.