The Public Health Agency has confirmed there are no cases of monkeypox in Northern Ireland and explained the risk of an outbreak here.
A number of cases of the viral infection have been confirmed in England in what is the largest outbreak of the virus to date in the UK.
Currently, no cases have been confirmed in Northern Ireland with the Public Health Agency saying that it is in regular contact with the UKHSA with regards to the outbreak and the risk to those living in NI.
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Monkeypox is usually associated with travel to West Africa and is usually a self-limiting virus and spread by very close contact with someone who has been infected.
The current risk to the population in NI is considered to be low due to the fact the virus does not spread easily.
Initial symptoms of the virus include fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills and exhaustion. It often starts on someone's face before spreading to other parts of the body.
It is not described as a sexually transmitted infection, but it can be passed through sexual contact.
The UKHSA has said some of the reported cases have been in the gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men communities and the PHA has issued a warning to anyone who has any unusual rashes or legions to visit their nearest GUM Clinic without delay.
A PHA spokesperson said: "There are no confirmed cases of monkeypox in Northern Ireland. The Public Health Agency (PHA) is aware of the new cases of monkeypox in England and is in regular contact with UKHSA regarding the situation and to identify any potential risk to the population of Northern Ireland.
"Monkeypox is a viral infection usually associated with travel to West Africa. It is usually a mild self-limiting illness, spread by very close contact with someone with monkeypox. Most people recover within a few weeks. The virus does not spread easily between people and the risk to the UK population is considered low.
"However, some of the cases reported by UKHSA have been in gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men communities, and although monkeypox has not previously been described as a sexually transmitted infection, it can be passed on by direct contact during sex. It can also be passed on through other close contact with a person who has monkeypox or contact with clothing or linens used by a person who has monkeypox.
"We are particularly urging men who are gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men to be aware of any unusual rashes or lesions and to contact their local GUM clinic without delay if they have concerns. Please phone first ahead of your visit. We can assure them 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.
"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, and can look like chicken pox or syphilis, before finally forming a scab, which later falls off.
"For further information on monkeypox see www.nhs.uk/conditions/monkeypox
"To read the latest news from UKHSA on monkeypox see https://www.gov.uk/government/news/monkeypox-cases-confirmed-in-england-latest-updates."
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