A new virus has been making headlines across the globe as it spread to more than a dozen countries in a matter of weeks.
Monkeypox is a viral disease, with similar effects seen with the smallpox infection, and mainly affects rodents and primates in rainforest areas of west and central Africa, but sometimes is transmitted to humans.
As concerns have been increasing, the HSE confirmed today that it has secured an order of vaccines against monkeypox which is expected to be delivered very soon, according to a spokesperson.
READ MORE: First case of monkeypox confirmed in Northern Ireland
The first case to be confirmed on the island of Ireland was reported on Thursday in the North, and so, Chief Executive Paul Reid said the HSE was engaging with the international community regarding the necessary management of the disease.
Although there have been no cases reported in the Republic yet, Reid said it is "more likely than not" that Ireland will see the arrival of the disease.
At this point, there are no solid plans for the widespread rollout of the vaccine, however, it is understood that healthcare workers would be the first to receive it.
As the situation unfolds, however, Mr. Reid said all advice will be taken from NIAC who are forming a course of action.
"We will take our advice from the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) for the moment," he said.
Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation today said there is no need for mass vaccination at this point and that a targeted approach for close contacts and those who are infected would likely be taken.
"We think if we put the right measures in place now we can contain it easily," Sylvie Briand, WHO director for Global Infectious Hazard Preparedness said at a technical briefing to member states at the UN health agency's annual assembly.
Adding to this, Rosamund Lewis, WHO head of the smallpox secretariat which is part of the WHO Emergencies Programme said: "Case investigation, contact tracing, isolation at home will be your best bets.”
According to the CDC, The illness begins with:
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Backache
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Chills
- Exhaustion
Within 1 to 3 days (sometimes longer) after the appearance of fever, the patient develops a rash, often beginning on the face and then spreading to other parts of the body.
Lesions progress through the following stages before falling off:
- Macules
- Papules
- Vesicles
- Pustules
- Scabs
The illness typically lasts for 2−4 weeks. In Africa, monkeypox has been shown to cause death in as many as 1 in 10 persons who contract the disease.
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