A leading health expert has said that the the risk of monkeypox to the general community is "very low" and "generally mild" for sufferers - but that people need to be vigilant about recognising symptoms.
Four cases of monkeypox has been confirmed in Ireland, with over 500 cases of the virus reported globally.
Dr Derval Igoe, interim director of the Republic of Ireland's Health Protection Surveillance Centre and 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.
Read more: Monkeypox cases in Ireland double days after first case confirmed
She has 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, 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.
"I think we need to be prepared for this and whereby somebody indicates they might have symptoms of Monkeypox that all measures are put in place so the correct infection prevention and control are in place, testing is arranged and that people are cared for well."
Dr Igoe said that the risk to the general community from monkeypox is "very low".
"I think it's important to say that the risk to the general community is very low," she added.
"But if you are a person who does notice new spots, ulcers or blisters on any part of your body and if you do suspect you might have symptoms, particularly if you had a recent change in sexual partner, you should contact either a GP or sexual health services."
Dr Igoe said that advice and information about monkeypox can be found on their website www.hpsc.ie.
Symptoms of monkeypox
People who closely interact with someone who is infectious are at greater risk for infection: this includes household members, sexual partners and healthcare workers.
However, the risk of spread within the community in general is very low.
The public is reminded of the main symptoms of monkeypox virus infection, which include:
- itchy rash
- fever (>38.50C)
- Headache
- muscle aches
- backache
- swollen lymph nodes
- chills
- exhaustion
"The rash starts as raised red spots that quickly change into little blisters. It usually develops within 1 to 3 days of the start of the fever or other symptoms, but some people may only have a rash," the HSE says.
"Sometimes the rash first appears on the face and spreads to the mouth, palms of the hands and soles of the feet. "However, following sexual contact, the rash may be found initially in the anogenital areas. In the recent cases seen internationally, systemic symptoms have not always been a feature, and rash in the anogenital area may be the main symptom.
"The rash goes through different stages before finally forming scabs which later fall off."
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