The first case of the monkeypox virus has been confirmed in the Republic of Ireland.
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre was last night notified of the confirmed case in the east of the country.
A further suspected case is also being investigated.
In a statement, the Health Service Executive said the person had not been hospitalised but the confirmed case was not unexpected given the confirmation of cases in the UK and European countries.
Monkeypox is a virus that can cause symptoms including fever, aches, and presents with a distinctive bumpy rash.
Monkeypox can, very occasionally, produce serious symptoms – sometimes, even death. Most cases, however are mild and self-limiting.
It can also be spread through:
- touching clothing, bedding or towels used by someone with the monkeypox rash
- touching monkeypox skin blisters or scabs
- the coughs or sneezes of a person with monkeypox
