A second case of monkeypox has been confirmed in Ireland.
The HSE issued the update on Monday evening, days after the first case was detected in the east of the country by health officials.
A spokesperson said: “The HPSC has now been notified of two confirmed cases of monkeypox in Ireland.
“This was not unexpected following the presence of monkeypox cases in the UK and many European countries.”
People who had close contact with the case while they were infectious will be contacted.
“In order to maintain patient confidentiality, no further information about the cases will be provided,” the statement continued.
“Public health risk assessments have been undertaken, and those who were in contact with the cases are being advised on what to do in the event that they become ill.”
According to the HSE, the vast majority of these cases do not have a travel link to a country where monkeypox is endemic, and many countries have reported that the cases are predominantly, but not exclusively, in men who self-identify as gay, bisexual or other men who have sex with men (gbMSM).
Speaking about the actions being taken as more cases are identified in Ireland, they said: “A multidisciplinary Incident Management Team was established by the HSE when the international alert was first raised and commenced activities to prepare for cases in Ireland.
“The IMT will continue to actively monitor this evolving international situation. To assist in Ireland’s response, monkeypox has been made a notifiable disease.
“This means that medical practitioners (and laboratories) are required to notify the local Medical Officer of Health/Director of Public Health of monkeypox cases in Ireland.”
Symptoms of monkeypox
People who closely interact with someone who is infectious are at greater risk for infection: this includes household members, sexual partners and healthcare workers.
However, the risk of spread within the community in general is very low.
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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