Many of the cases in this multi-country outbreak are in men who self-identify as gay, bisexual or other men who have sex with men (gbMSM). Gay, bisexual and men who have sex with men (gbMSM) This allows the patient’s own body defences to fight the infection. This involves treating any uncomfortable symptoms, such as pain or itch, that occur, keeping the patient warm, comfortable and relaxed, and making sure they get plenty of fluids.
Treatment of monkeypox is mainly supportive. There is no medicine that can cure monkeypox. Severe illness and death outside Africa are unlikely. Monkeypox infection is usually a self-limiting illness and most people recover within weeks, although severe illness can occur in people with very weak immune systems, pregnant women and in very small babies. Images of the different stages of the rash can be found on the HPSC website at the following link: Treating monkeypox The rash goes through different stages before finally forming scabs which later fall off. 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. However, following sexual contact, the rash may be found initially in the anogenital areas. Sometimes the rash first appears on the face and spreads to the mouth, palms of the hands and soles of the feet. 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 rash starts as raised red spots that quickly change into little blisters. Symptoms of monkeypox virus infection include: The risk of spread within the community in general, is very low. People who closely interact with someone who is infectious are at greater risk for infection: this includes household members, sexual partners and healthcare workers.
Monkeypox spreads through close contact, including contact with the skin rash of someone with monkeypox. It is the milder, West African, type that is causing the current outbreak. There are two types of monkeypox: West African monkeypox and Congo Basin monkeypox. The cases being reported across multiple countries now are unusual because most of the cases do not have a link to travel to these parts of Africa. The virus is found in some animal populations in remote parts of Central and West Africa, and in the past has caused occasional limited outbreaks in local communities and travellers. Monkeypox is a rare disease that is caused by infection with monkeypox virus. This means that medical practitioners (and laboratories) are required to notify the local Medical Officer of Health/Director of Public Health of monkeypox cases in Ireland. To assist in Ireland’s response, monkeypox has been made a notifiable disease. The IMT will continue to actively monitor this evolving international situation. Many of the cases were diagnosed in sexual health clinics and self-identify as gay, bisexual or other men who have sex with men (gbMSM).Ī multidisciplinary Incident Management Team was established by the HSE when the international alert was first raised and commenced activities to prepare for cases in Ireland.
The vast majority of these cases do not have a travel link to a country where monkeypox is endemic. The case in Ireland comes after the reporting of more than two hundred other confirmed cases of monkeypox worldwide over recent weeks, including from the UK (with one case recently reported in Northern Ireland ), several European countries, North America, Israel, United Arab Emirates, and Australia. A public health risk assessment has been undertaken, and those who were in contact with the person are being advised on what to do in the event that they become ill. In order to maintain patient confidentiality, no further information about this person will be provided.Ī suspected case is also being investigated and test results are awaited. Public Health is following up those who had close contact with the person with monkeypox while they were infectious. This was not unexpected following the presence of monkeypox cases in the UK and many European countries. HPSC was notified last night (Friday 27/5/22) of a confirmed case of monkeypox in Ireland, in the east of the country.
Monkeypox case confirmed in Ireland - latest update