Turkey's health officials address hantavirus concerns amid political criticism

Kocaeli MP Mehmet Aşıla of the Yeniden Refah Party warned that hantavirus is being used to create a new climate of fear, saying “let’s not play this game again.” In response, Health Minister Kemal Memişoğlu told a live TVNET broadcast that there is no hantavirus threat in Turkey and affirmed that the country is prepared for any kind of crisis. The exchange highlights political tension over public health messaging as officials seek to reassure the public amid circulating rumors.

Both statements reflect the government's effort to manage potential panic while political figures question the narrative surrounding the virus.