Two further cases of monkeypox were reported in Ireland on Wednesday, bringing the total number of known cases so far to four.
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) has said that Public Health is following up with close contacts in each case.
Risk assessments have also been carried out, and close contacts have been advised on what steps to take should they become ill.
READ MORE: HSE confirms second case of monkeypox in Ireland and issues reminder of symptoms
It is currently unknown where in the country the cases are located due to patient confidentiality.
The news comes after the World Health Organisation (WHO) issued a warning to festival-goers regarding the spread of monkeypox at summer festivals.
Dr Hans Henri Kluge, the WHO's regional director for Europe, said that some recent cases of the illness had been linked to large parties and events.
Dr Kluge said: "As new patients present every day, investigations into past cases show that the outbreak in our region was certainly underway as early as mid-April.
"Based on the case reports to date, this outbreak is currently being transmitted through social networks connected largely through sexual activity, primarily involving men who have sex with men."
He continued: "Rapid, amplified transmission has occurred in the context of the recent lifting of pandemic restrictions on international travel and events."
In a recent update on the WHO website, the following guidance was issued: "Case-patients can be prompted to identify contacts across different contexts, including their household, intimate partners and sexual contacts, as well as events and social gatherings where extended networks of individuals may engage in activities involving physical contact that may put participants at risk, festivals, sports, bars or restaurants and other gathering places, transportation or travel in a closed vehicle, health care (including laboratory exposure), the workplace, houses of worship, school/nursery, and any other recalled interactions.
"Attendance lists and, passenger manifests, for example, can be further used to identify contacts."
People have been asked to look out for the following symptoms of monkeypox, which usually take between 5 and 21 days to appear.
The first symptoms of monkeypox include:
- a high temperature (38 degrees Celsius or higher)
- a headache
- muscle aches
- backache
- swollen glands
- shivering (chills)
- exhaustion
A rash usually appears 1 to 5 days after the first symptoms. The rash often begins on the face and then spreads to other body parts. If monkeypox has been spread through sexual contact, the rash can appear around the genitals.
The rash is sometimes confused with chickenpox. It starts as raised spots, which turn into small blisters filled with fluid. These blisters eventually form scabs which later fall off.
The symptoms usually clear up in 2 to 4 weeks.
Very occasionally, people with a very weak immune system or very young babies can get a severe illness.
Monkeypox is rare but there are things you can do to reduce your risk of getting this, including washing your hands with soap and water regularly or using an alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
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