According to the latest figures, Ireland has reported a total of 28 monkeypox cases since the outbreak was detected here.
A number of counties nationwide have been the location of these cases, and in the past week, an additional 14 infections have been identified.
This marks the biggest jump in cases seen in the space of one week since the beginning of the Irish outbreak.
READ MORE: Monkeypox cases triple across the globe but WHO insists risk to the public 'remains low'
The statistics released also confirm that all cases so far are among the male population and most are between the ages of 25 and 44.
The HPSC says the increase in cases is not unexpected given the presence of monkeypox cases in the UK and in several other European countries.
The HSE Public Health team is continuing to follow up with all close contacts of confirmed cases.
Meanwhile, according to the World Health Organisation and the ECDC, 2,746 cases have been recorded in Europe alone up to Tuesday, June 21.
The health experts continue to remind the public that monkeypox spreads through close contact, including contact with the skin rash of someone infected with the virus.
People who closely interact with someone who is infectious are at greater risk for infection, and this includes household members, sexual partners, and healthcare workers.
The risk of spread within the community remains "very low" according to the update, however, symptoms of the monkeypox virus to look out for include:
- itchy rash (see below)
- fever (>38.50C)
- headache
- muscle aches
- backache
- swollen lymph nodes
- chills
- exhaustion
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