It is “inevitable” that cases of monkeypox will be confirmed here, Tanaiste Leo Varadkar has said.
It comes after the first case of monkeypox has been recorded in Northern Ireland.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Mr Varadkar said: “We’re not aware of any cases in the Republic of Ireland as of yet but it’s almost inevitable, in fact, it is inevitable that there will be cases in the Republic of Ireland.
READ MORE: First case of monkeypox confirmed on island of Ireland
“The HSE has set up a group to monitor the situation, we don’t anticipate that this is going to be a public health emergency like Covid for example.
“But there are a number of outbreaks now around the world and the HSE is monitoring the situation very closely and making sure that healthcare professionals are informed on what the symptoms are so if people do have monkeypox that it can be identified quickly.”
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has said contagion risk is low but warned that people who have had multiple sexual partners - regardless of sexual orientation are more at risk.
People infected with it also get a chickenpox-like rash on their hands and face.
No treatment exists, but the symptoms usually clear up after two to four weeks, and it is not usually fatal.
It spreads by a bite or direct contact with an infected animal's blood, meat or bodily fluids, and initial symptoms include a high fever before quickly developing into a rash.
Wales also recorded its first case of monkeypox on Thursday.
The European Union's disease agency said the number of confirmed cases of monkeypox worldwide has now reached 219 outside of countries where it is endemic.
The UK - where monkeypox's unusual appearance was first detected in early May - currently has the largest bulk of confirmed cases, with 71.
It is followed by Spain with 51 cases and Portugal, 37.
Outside of Europe, Canada has 15 and the United States has nine.
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