The Public Health Agency confirmed that there were no cases of monkeypox in Northern Ireland and explained the risk of an outbreak here.
A number of cases of viral infection have been confirmed in England in what is the largest outbreak of the virus so far in the United Kingdom.
There are currently no confirmed cases in Northern Ireland, with the Public Health Agency saying it is in regular contact with the UKHSA regarding the outbreak and the risk to NI residents.
Read more: Rules NI Vacationers Need to Know Before Traveling to the Canary Islands, Lanzarote and Tenerife
Smallpox is usually associated with travel to West Africa and is usually a self-limiting virus and is spread through very close contact with someone who has been infected.
The current risk to the NI population is considered low due to the fact that the virus does not spread easily.
Initial symptoms of the virus include fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, swollen lymph nodes, chills and exhaustion. It often starts on someone’s face before spreading to other parts of the body.
It is not described as a sexually transmitted infection, but it can be transmitted through sexual contact.
UKHSA said some of the reported cases were in gay, bisexual and other male communities having sex with men, and the PHA has issued a warning to anyone with any unusual rash or legions to visit their nearest clinic immediately. GUM.
A PHA spokesman said: “There are no confirmed cases of monkeypox in Northern Ireland. The Public Health Agency (PHA) is aware of new cases of monkeypox in England and is in regular contact with the UKHSA on the situation and to identify any potential risks to the population of Northern Ireland.
Read more related articles Read more related articles
“Monkeypox is a viral infection usually associated with travel to West Africa. It is usually a mild self-limiting disease that is spread through very close contact with a person with monkeypox. Most people recover within a few weeks. The virus is not easily spread among humans and the risk to the UK population is considered low.
“However, some of the cases reported by UKHSA have been in gays, bisexuals and other men who have sex with men, and although monkeypox has not previously been described as a sexually transmitted infection, it can be transmitted through direct contact during sex. It can also be transmitted through other close contact with a person who has monkeypox, or contact with clothing or bedding used by a person who has monkeypox.
“We especially urge men who are gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men to be aware of any unusual rashes or lesions and to contact the local GUM clinic immediately if they have any concerns. Please call first before your visit. We can assure them that their call or discussion will be treated sensitively and confidentially.
“Clinicians should be vigilant for people who have a rash without a clear alternative diagnosis and should contact specialized counseling services.
“The initial symptoms of monkeypox include fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, swollen lymph nodes, chills and exhaustion. A rash can develop, often starting in the face and then spreading to other parts of the body, including the genitals. The rash changes and goes through different stages and can look like chickenpox or syphilis before finally forming a scab that later falls off.
“For more information on monkeypox, see www.nhs.uk/conditions/monkeypox
“To read the latest UKHSA news about monkeypox, see
Read more: Co Tyrone model Kate Grant excited about meeting Kate Middleton at Buckingham Palace
Read more: Basic laws that tourists in Spain should be aware of while on vacation
To receive the latest news directly in your inbox, sign up for our free newsletter.
Add Comment