The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed a case of mpox in Turkey on 7 August 2025, prompting the United Kingdom to issue a travel advisory to its citizens.
Authorities warn that the disease, previously known as monkeypox, spreads through close physical contact, especially with skin lesions or rashes from infected individuals.
According to the WHO, the patient in Turkey had recently traveled to the United Arab Emirates before testing positive. The confirmation comes as the Democratic Republic of Congo continues to report the highest number of global infections, with more than 27,000 cases recorded this year. In the UK, nine cases were identified earlier in 2025 among people returning from Uganda.
Symptoms and risk groups
WHO guidance states that mpox symptoms typically appear between 5 and 21 days after exposure. Initial signs include high fever, severe headache, muscle and back pain, fatigue, chills, and swollen lymph nodes. Rashes can develop later, spreading across various parts of the body.
The organization highlights that vulnerable groups such as children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems, including HIV patients, are at greater risk of serious complications. However, most patients recover within one month, according to WHO reports.
UK issues precautionary advice
The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) has outlined preventive measures for travelers and the general public. Recommendations include frequent handwashing with soap and water or using alcohol-based sanitizer, avoiding close contact with potentially infected individuals, and monitoring for symptoms for three weeks after returning from Central or East Africa.
The NHS also advises discussing health status with sexual partners and avoiding intimate contact if suspicious symptoms appear. Anyone noticing signs of infection is urged to seek medical care immediately and enter isolation to prevent further spread.
Ongoing policy and health considerations
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) announced in March 2025 that mpox would no longer be classified as a “high consequence infectious disease.” Nonetheless, experts stress that vigilance remains essential given the continued presence of cases worldwide.
Turkey’s confirmed case underscores the challenges of controlling transmission across borders, especially through international travel. The WHO has warned that recent increases in cases, particularly in Africa, highlight the need for continued monitoring and preventive action to limit the spread of the disease.
With rising global infections, authorities in Europe and beyond are balancing reduced emergency measures with the ongoing responsibility to protect vulnerable populations. Public health agencies recommend that travelers remain cautious and adhere to prevention guidelines as the summer travel season continues.
