First case of monkeypox confirmed in Ireland
The first confirmed case of monkeypox has been identified in Ireland, health officials have said.
The infection was reported in the east of the country on Friday night and the person affected was not kept in hospital.
A second suspected monkeypox case is also being investigated and test results are awaited, said the Health Service Executive (HSE).
A public health risk assessment has been carried out and those who have been in contact with the person are being advised on what to do if they become ill.
The HSE said the confirmed case in Ireland was “not unexpected” after infections in the UK and many European countries.
Sixteen more cases were identified in England on Friday.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said the new cases bring the total in England since 7 May to 101, with the UK total at 106.
There have been three confirmed cases in Scotland, as well as one in both Wales and Northern Ireland.
The first monkeypox cases in Wales and Northern Ireland were recorded on Thursday, while Scotland confirmed a further two cases.
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Despite the rise in cases, the UKHSA said the risk to the UK population “remains low” as the virus does not spread easily.
Men who are gay or bisexual are being urged in particular to be aware of symptoms as the health body said “the majority of the cases identified to date” have been among this group.
Health protection teams have been tracing contacts of people with a confirmed case and are advising those at highest risk to isolate at home for up to 21 days.
