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Aakanksha Surve

Spain and Portugal branded monkeypox hotspots as cases soar

Spain and Portugal have been branded monkeypox hotspots with over 260 cases reported in the Iberian countries.

And with thousands will be jetting off on holidays, a top Irish health expert has warned people to remain vigilant about recognising symptoms.

Four cases of monkeypox have been confirmed in Ireland, with two cases being reported in the last couple of days.

Read more: Expert says monkeypox risk is 'very low' but warns people must be 'vigilant'

Dr Derval Igoe, Chair of the HSE Monkeypox Incident Management Team, said that the Monkeypox virus has been seen as being "generally mild", although it is continuing to spread across Europe.

Spain currently has 142 cases, and Portugal is reporting 119 cases.

Portuguese authorities said all confirmed cases were being reported in men mostly aged under 40.

Monkeypox is a rare disease that is caused by infection with monkeypox virus, according to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre.

Dr Igoe urged anyone who notices new blisters or spots on their body should call their GP or another health service to book a test.

Speaking on Morning Ireland on Thursday, Dr Igoe explained: "The general picture has been a mild illness, and most people have managed at home and get better themselves without any further intervention.

"The cases that we have been seeing both in Ireland and also right throughout western Europe and the rest of the world is that it's not linked to travel to west Africa."

Dr Igoe said that it is likely that more cases of monkeypox will be reported in Ireland.

"I think we need to be prepared possibly for more cases to come," she said.

Read more: Climate change likely to blame for monkeypox outbreak, expert says

Read more: Second Irish monkeypox case confirmed as HSE issue symptoms warning

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