The HSE is urging people in Ireland to know the symptoms of mpox after five cases were confirmed in recent weeks, however it has stressed that the risk to the public remains low.
A back ache can be an early warning sign of mpox(Image: GETTY)
People across Ireland are being urged to know the signs and symptoms of mpox after several new cases of the infection were confirmed in recent weeks.
The HSE’s Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) said five cases of mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, have been recorded in Ireland over the past 12 weeks.
The reminder comes as cases have risen sharply in the north of Ireland, where 21 infections have been confirmed in the last three weeks.
Despite the recent cases, the HSE says the overall risk of catching mpox in Ireland remains low.
It said: “Mpox is an uncommon infection caused by the mpox virus. It is most often found in parts of central and east Africa. Since 2022, a small number of people in Ireland have been diagnosed with mpox.
“There are 2 types of mpox – clade I and clade II. Clade I mpox may be the more serious type. It is spreading within parts of Africa. It is rarely seen outside of Africa.
“Most cases of mpox in Ireland have been clade II. The risk of catching mpox in Ireland is low.”
Mpox spreads through very close physical contact with an infected person. This includes:
sexual contact or other intimate contact (such as kissing or cuddling)touching clothing, bedding or towels used by someone with the mpox rash or scabstouching mpox blisters or scabscoughs or sneezes of a person with mpox when they’re very close to you
The virus can also spread from animals to humans in areas where infected animals are found.
Early Mpox symptoms
Symptoms usually develop between five and 21 days after infection. Early signs can include:
a high temperature (38.5C or higher)headachesmuscle aches or joint painsback acheswollen glandsshivering (chills)exhaustion
A rash typically appears one to five days later and can develop anywhere on the body, including the mouth, hands, feet, genitals and around the anus. Some people may also experience pain or bleeding from the anus.
The rash usually begins as raised spots before developing into fluid filled blisters or sores, which eventually scab over and heal.
Most people recover within two to four weeks, although pregnant women, very young babies and people with severely weakened immune systems can have a more severe illness.
Anyone who develops a rash that could be mpox, or who has been identified as a close contact of a confirmed case, should contact their GP or a sexual health clinic.
However, the HSE advises people to phone ahead before attending any healthcare setting so staff can advise on the safest way to avoid spreading the infection.
Most people with clade II mpox can recover at home and may need to self isolate for between two and four weeks.
There is currently no cure for mpox, with treatment focused on relieving symptoms.
The HSE also recommends vaccination for people considered to be at higher risk of infection, including gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, sex workers and some healthcare workers.
Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.