The Department of Public Health Mid-West has confirmed that a number of cases of monkeypox have been detected in the region.
The number of cases found are fewer than four, with no specific location other than the Mid-West so far revealed.
A spokesman for the department told the Limerick Post that the rare virus has now become a notifiable disease – meaning that any GP or clinician who gets a positive diagnosis on behalf of a patient must report it for inclusion on the national register.
There are now 44 cases of the rare viral infection in Ireland. Infection usually results in a mild illness with disfiguring skin sores, but it can cause complications for people who have compromised immune systems, the very elderly, the very young or pregnant women.
Symptoms include headaches, fever, fatigue, muscle aches, and rashes which can appear on any part of the body but most often on the feet, hands and genital areas.
The virus is spread through contact or contact with bodily fluids or areas showing signs of rash. Scabs from sores are known to be particularly infectious.
People with the virus should avoid sharing towels, bedding, food utensils or clothing.
The advice for people who suspect they have the virus is to make an appointment with a GP by phone and, if monkeypox is confirmed, to self-isolate.
More than 6,900 cases of monkeypox have been confirmed in Europe, North America and many other countries worldwide.
