A total of 13 cases of Monkeypox have been recorded in Northern Ireland to date, according to figures from the UK Health Security Agency.
The first cases of monkeypox infection were confirmed in England in early May and in Northern Ireland later that month.
Up to 18 July, there were 2,137 laboratory confirmed cases in the UK. Of these, 51 were in Scotland, 13 were in Northern Ireland, 23 were in Wales and 2,050 were in England.
Read more: Monkeypox: WHO official warns of need to act with urgency to control virus outbreak
The virus can be passed on through close person-to-person contact, or contact with items used by a person who has monkeypox, such as clothes, bedding or utensils. Monkeypox is usually a self-limiting illness and most people recover within a few weeks.
Suspected and confirmed cases should self-isolate for 21 days. People identified as having the closest contact will be recommended to self-isolate for 21 days from last contact with the case. Those with the closest contact to the case will be offered vaccination with the smallpox vaccine, to offer them protection.
Initial symptoms of monkeypox include fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills and exhaustion.
A rash can develop, often beginning on the face, then spreading to other parts of the body including the genitals.
The rash changes and goes through different stages – it can look like chickenpox or syphilis, before finally forming a scab which later falls off.
Anyone who thinks they have been at risk of exposure with unusual rashes or lesions on any part of their body, especially their genitalia, or particularly if they have recently had a new sexual partner, should limit their contact with others and should contact their GP or GUM clinic without delay if they have concerns. Please phone first ahead of a visit to a healthcare facility.
A notable proportion of recent cases in England and Europe have been found in gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, so the PHA is particularly encouraging them to be alert to the symptoms and seek help if concerned.
The PHA has been working with community and voluntary groups including Rainbow to raise awareness of monkeypox symptoms and action to take if you think you have been at risk of exposure.
Clinicians should be alert to individuals presenting with rashes without a clear alternative diagnosis and should contact specialist services for advice.
Last month, the Department of Health deemed Monkeypox a notifiable disease in Northern Ireland .
The move requires medical practitioners to share information with the Public Health Agency if they are aware that a person they are attending has Monkeypox or if they have reasonable grounds for suspecting so.
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