There have been 97 cases of monkeypox diagnosed in Ireland up until July 30, an increase of 12 cases in one week.
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre's latest report on the disease confirmed that ten people have been hospitalised in Ireland so far, and the median age of those infected here is 36. All Irish cases of the disease so far have been men.
According to the World Health Organisation, the number of confirmed cases globally stands at 23,351 and 98% of those affecting men. Last month the monkeypox outbreak was declared a global health emergency by the WHO, the loudest alarm it can sound.
Read more: Tallaght Hospital tells public to avoid A&E as department at 'full capacity'
The Irish government has recently announced plans to administer the smallpox vaccine to those considered at risk of contracting the disease.
Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly confirmed that the smallpox vaccine would be offered in order to protect those considered to be at a higher risk of monkeypox infection. People will receive two doses of the vaccine, administered 28 days apart.
“Monkeypox is usually a self-limiting illness, and most people recover within a few weeks, however the rapid spread of infection necessitates further measures beyond those currently in place,” Minister Donnelly told RTE last week.
Read more:
Dublin Bus driver hospitalised and road closed after major crash
Monkeypox declared global health emergency by World Health Organisation
HSE urging people to get booster vaccines at walk-in clinics
Number one symptom of Covid-19 revealed - see full list of top 20
Sign up to the Dublin Live Newsletter to get all the latest Dublin news straight to your inbox.
