The first case of monkeypox has now been identified in Northern Ireland.
Public Health Agency (PHA) confirmed the first case of the rare disease today.
The Monkeypox outbreak is spreading in the UK with 79 cases confirmed to date.
The virus, which is normally reported in central and West African countries, causes a rash and fever, but it is usually a self-limiting illness and most people recover within a few weeks.
“Cases of monkeypox are rare as the virus does not spread easily between people; therefore the risk to the Northern Ireland population is considered low,” said Dr Gillian Armstrong, Head of Health Protection at the PHA.
The virus can be passed on through close person-to-person contact, or contact with items used by a person who has monkeypox, such as clothes, bedding or utensils.
Initial symptoms of monkeypox include fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills and exhaustion.
A rash can develop, often beginning on the face, then spreading to other parts of the body including the genitals. Suspected and confirmed cases should self-isolate for 21 days.
