Health officials have confirmed that 14 new cases of monkeypox have been detected in Ireland.
A number of counties nationwide have been the location of these cases, and Ireland now has a total of 28 cases.
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 in Ireland double days after first case confirmed
The statistics released by the HPSC 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 World Health Organisation is also set to change the name of the monkeypox virus after a group of international scientists warned that the name of the virus is "discriminatory and stigmatizing."
Health experts have said that the risk to the community from monkeypox is "very low", but that people need to be vigilant about recognising symptoms.
Read more: Monkeypox patients may face three weeks isolation period
The public is reminded of the main symptoms of monkeypox virus infection, which include:
- itchy rash
- fever (>38.50C)
- Headache
- muscle aches
- backache
- swollen lymph nodes
- chills
- exhaustion
"The rash starts as raised red spots that quickly change into little blisters. It usually develops within 1 to 3 days of the start of the fever or other symptoms, but some people may only have a rash," the HSE says.
"Sometimes the rash first appears on the face and spreads to the mouth, palms of the hands and soles of the feet. "However, following sexual contact, the rash may be found initially in the anogenital areas. In the recent cases seen internationally, systemic symptoms have not always been a feature, and rash in the anogenital area may be the main symptom.
"The rash goes through different stages before finally forming scabs which later fall off."
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