The first confirmed case of monkeypox in Ireland has been identified, the executive director of the Health Service (HSE) said.
The infection was reported in the eastern part of the country on Friday night and the affected person was not hospitalized.
An additional alleged case is also being investigated and test results are awaited, health officials said.
A public health risk assessment has been carried out and those who have been in contact with the person are advised on what to do if they become ill.
A statement from the HSE said: “The Health Monitoring Center was notified last night of a confirmed case of monkeypox in Ireland, in the east of the country.
“This man is not hospitalized. This was not unexpected after the presence of monkeypox in the United Kingdom and many European countries.
“Public health tracks those who have had close contact with a person with monkeypox while contagious. In order to maintain the patient’s confidentiality, no additional information will be provided about this person.
“A suspected case is also being investigated and test results are awaited. A public health risk assessment has been carried out and those who have been in contact with the person are advised on what to do if they become ill.
The UK Health Security Agency said on Friday that 16 more cases of monkeypox had been identified in England, bringing the total to 101. To date, three cases have been found in Scotland and one each in Wales and Northern Ireland.
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