Second Spanish monkeypox death within days as public warned of most common symptoms

Spanish health officials have today reported a second death due to the spread of the monkeypox virus.

These cases, which were reported by the health ministry, are the first confirmed deaths in Europe since the outbreak began back in May 2022.

Globally, there have been more than 21,000 across 80 countries over the past three or four months.

READ MORE: Monkeypox: 18,000 cases, low vaccine supplies and a 'small window' of time to contain the virus as Irish numbers grow

Here in Ireland, 85 cases of the virus have been identified and a dedicated team is working to contact all those who may have been in contact with patients while infectious.

Meanwhile, across Africa there have been 75 suspected deaths due to the virus - mostly in Nigeria and DR Congo, where it is believed a more lethal form of the illness is spreading.

Brazilian health officials also confirmed a death locally due to monkeypox on Friday, July 29.

In the health update from Spain’s health ministry, it was confirmed that around 4,298 people have become infected with monkeypox - the highest number reported so far in any European country.

According to statistics, some 3,500 cases were of men who had had sex with other men. Only 64 were women.

The ministry said 120 have needed hospital attention, and health authorities are administering 5,300 vaccines that Spain received from the joint EU vaccine purchase scheme. Health workers say that is far fewer than the number needed to cover the at-risk groups.

Monkeypox has been endemic to parts of Africa for decades. Its leap to Europe and North America was linked by experts to two raves in Belgium and Spain.

It spreads mainly through skin-to-skin contact but it can also be transmitted through bed sheets used by someone with monkeypox.

Symptoms include fever, body aches, chills, fatigue and hives. The illness has been relatively mild in many men but people can be contagious for weeks, and the lesions can be extremely painful.

READ NEXT:

• Five-star Irish hotel introduces bargain deal for two nights including afternoon tea for under €300

• Gardai show locations of checkpoints and speed vans in warning to motorists

• Gardai believe man was lured to house before he was brutally beaten with hatchet

• Irish residents say Donald Trump is always welcome as former US President set for visit

• Businesswoman and RTE host Aine Kerr says Ireland needs to be in 'state of readiness' for recession

Get breaking news to your inbox by signing up to our newsletter