There are no confirmed cases of monkeypox in Northern Ireland, health officials have confirmed.
In a statement on Monday, the Public Health Agency (PHA) said it is aware of the cases of monkeypox in England and is in regular contact with UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) regarding the situation.
A multidisciplinary incident management team (IMT) has also been established here to ensure that we are fully prepared for any potential risk to the population of Northern Ireland.
Read more: Belfast GP shares the good, the bad and the ugly side of doctors surgery practice
Dr Gillian Armstrong, Head of Health Protection at the PHA, said: “Monkeypox is usually a mild self-limiting illness and most people recover within a few weeks.
“The infection can be passed on through close contact with someone with the infection, or contact with clothing or linens used by a person who has monkeypox.
“However, the virus does not usually spread easily between people and the risk to the Northern Ireland population is considered low.”
A monkeypox incident management team has been set up in the Republic of Ireland to prepare the country for possible cases.
The chair of the team, Dr Derval Igoe, has said there is a possibility that monkeypox cases could be seen in Ireland, although there are no reported cases so far.
The UK has so far confirmed 20 cases but none of them are in Northern Ireland.
Anyone who thinks they have been at risk of exposure with unusual rashes or lesions on any part of their body, especially their genitalia, should contact their local healthcare provider 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.
They have been assured that their call or discussion will be treated sensitively and confidentially.
Clinicians should be alert to individuals presenting with rashes without a clear alternative diagnosis and should contact specialist services for advice.
What are the symptoms?
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.
For further information on monkeypox is available here.
Read more: Belfast woman diagnosed with cancer at 27 says her 'world fell apart'
Read more: Newtownards woman's plea for help as parents sleep in living room after dad's sickness
To get the latest breaking news straight to your inbox, sign up to our free newsletter.
