Kenan Midilli

The number of "Aedes" mosquitoes capable of carrying the Zika virus has increased in all coasts of the country, especially in Istanbul, Kenan Midilli, a professor from Istanbul University's Cerrahpaşa Medicine Faculty, has warned.

Turkish experts have urged the public to remain calm and not panic amid threats from the new COVID-19 strain, Omicron, but also called on people to get vaccinated and stick to anti-virus rules.

Turkey on Nov. 26 banned travel from five African nations, including South Africa, Mozambique, Namibia, and Zimbabwe, as a precaution against the new variant.

As COVID-19 cases are seen most among young people, the Turkish Health Ministry is expanding its efforts and seeking cooperation with YouTube influencers to encourage the youth to get their jabs and eliminate vaccine skepticism in the country.