Wind Emanating from Turkish Shore: Advisory Issued for Russians Regarding Koksa Virus Vacation Risk

Wind Emanating from Turkish Shore: Advisory Issued for Russians Regarding Koksa Virus Vacation Risk

H2: The Coxsackie Virus Debunked: It's Not the "Turkish Chickenpox"

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The viral rumors floating around on social media claim that Russian tourists in Turkey are contracting the so-called "Turkish Chickenpox". In reality, it's just the Coxsackie virus - a different beast entirely! Dr. Gennady Onishchenko even advised his fellow Russians to skip the Turkish coast, stating, "Why bring home an infection from foreign resorts? Stay home instead!"

While a Coxsackie epidemic can pose serious threats, don't be alarmed by the hype. This viral disease typically spreads through contaminated water, unwashed hands, and spoiled food. The consequences range from gastrointestinal distress to more severe cases like inflammation of the brain, heart, liver, and pancreas. However, young children under 10 are most at risk and may experience a severe course of the disease.

Despite the alarming headlines, the Association of Tour Operators of Russia insists that the current situation in Turkey with regards to the Coxsackie virus is under control. Only isolated cases have been logged, and the number of infections remains comparable to that of previous years.

🔍Plague of the Resort?

So, how does the Coxsackie virus differ from good ol' chickenpox? Let's break it down:

1. They belong to different families. The Coxsackie virus is an enterovirus, while chickenpox is caused by herpesviruses.
2. The mode of transmission is different. Coxsackie virus transmission occurs through water, dirty hands, and fecal-oral contact. Chickenpox, on the other hand, spreads through the air.
3. The rash patterns vary. The Coxsackie virus forms a pattern called hand-foot-mouth syndrome, with small, non-itchy blisters on hands, feet, and the mouth. In contrast, chickenpox rash appears as separate blisters all over the body and is highly itchy.

💊Stay Healthy on Vacation

Before embarking on any trip, familiarize yourself with the current health situation in the country you're visiting. Pack a basic first-aid kit, including medical masks and antiviral medications, and always prioritize cleanliness during your travels. Avoid crowding and stick to open, fresh-air spaces. Upon returning to your room from outdoor adventures, take a shower, wash your hands thoroughly, and gargle to minimize the risk of infection. And remember, ávoid swallowing seawater!

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Enrichment Data:Key Differences Between Coxsackie Virus and Chickenpox

Coxsackie virus and chickenpox may share similar symptoms, but they are caused by different viruses and have unique characteristics.

1. Causes and Viruses
2. Coxsackie Virus: Coxsackievirus belongs to the Enterovirus genus, typically causing hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD)[4].
3. Chickenpox: Caused by the Varicella-zoster virus, resulting in a widespread, itchy rash, fever, and other systemic symptoms[1].
4. Symptoms
5. Coxsackie Virus (HFMD): Mouth ulcers, fever, rash on hands and feet, sore throat[4]. Primarily affects children under five years old[4].
6. Chickenpox: Itchy rash, fever, headache, tiredness, and decreased appetite[1]. Can impact people of all ages[1].
7. Transmission
8. Coxsackie Virus: Spread through direct contact with infected individuals or contaminated food and water[4].
9. Chickenpox: Highly contagious; spreads through airborne respiratory droplets, direct contact with rash lesions, and contaminated items[1].
10. Complications
11. Coxsackie Virus: Rare cases of myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle)[5].
12. Chickenpox: Complications can include bacterial skin infections, pneumonia, and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)[1].
13. Treatment
14. Coxsackie Virus (HFMD): Symptomatic treatment and hydration[4].
15. Chickenpox: Rest, hydration, pain relief medication, itch-relief measures[1].

References:

[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2021, January 19). Chickenpox (Varicella). Retrieved January 30, 2023, from https://www.cdc.gov/chickenpox/[4] World Health Organization (WHO). (2021, August 31). Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) - enterovirus 71 (EV71). Retrieved January 30, 2023, from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hand-foot-and-mouth-disease-(hfmd)-enterovirus-71-(ev71)[5] Mayo Clinic. (2021, October 15). Myocarditis. Retrieved January 30, 2023, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/myocarditis/symptoms-causes/syc-20367023

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