The government has announced plans to administer the smallpox vaccine to those considered at risk of contracting the monkeypox virus.
Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly confirmed that the smallpox vaccine would be offered in order to protect individuals deemed to be at a higher risk of monkeypox infection. People will receive two doses of the vaccine, the second of which will be administered 28 days after their first injection.
“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.
READ MORE: Monkeypox declared a 'global emergency' with outbreaks in more than 70 countries
The use of pre-exposure prophylactic vaccination (PrEP) has also been recommended for avoiding exposure to the disease. Monkeypox cases are currently most common amongst gay and bisexual men, but the World Health Organisation has warned against complacency towards the illness, saying a wider outbreak is possible.
Interim Chief Medical Officer Breda Smyth urged people who suspect they may have symptoms to seek medical advice and follow public health measures.
“These recommendations reflect a strengthening of measures to control disease transmission and ensures that our response to this evolving situation is informed by the best available evidence,” she said.
The move comes just days after monkeypox was declared a global health emergency by the WHO. 16,500 people worldwide have tested positive for the virus. 69 cases have been reported in Ireland, although the majority of people with the illness here have not required hospitalisation.
The news sees monkeypox join COVID-19, Ebola and Zika on the list of global health emergencies. Common symptoms of the condition include fever, severe headache, rash, swollen lymph glands and a temperature over 38℃.
The smallpox vaccine itself has not been in widespread use in Ireland since the 1970s. It is considered somewhat effective in preventing the disease.
The Department of Health and the HSE are expected to implement the recommendations in the near future.
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