First Cluster of Contagious Mpox Strain Detected in Ireland

Three individuals have been diagnosed with a severe strain of the Mpox virus, marking the first cluster of cases identified in Ireland. The Health Service Executive (HSE) confirmed that these cases are interconnected and that contact tracing is underway. The affected individuals have been offered testing and vaccination, with additional contacts being monitored closely.

The current investigation by the regional public health team aims to determine how the infected individuals contracted the virus. Mpox, also known as Monkeypox, is an infectious viral disease that spreads easily through skin-to-skin contact or by sharing personal items.

Global Context and Recent Developments

The Clade 1 strain of Mpox has seen a surge in cases, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where it significantly impacted surrounding countries. This prompted the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare a global health emergency, a status that was only lifted in early September 2023. Since the beginning of the year, over 34,000 confirmed Mpox cases have been reported globally, leading to 138 deaths. The regions most affected include the Democratic Republic of Congo, East Africa, and Sierra Leone.

According to the HSE, four cases of Clade 1 have been identified in Ireland, including an imported case reported in February and the recent three linked cases from August and September. A spokesperson stated, “This is a small cluster of linked cases. Contact tracing has been carried out, and close contacts are being offered testing and vaccination as needed.”

Despite the emergence of these cases, the HSE has assessed the risk to the Irish public as “low.” The public health team is actively investigating the origins of the virus in this cluster, noting that similar small clusters have appeared in other European nations, often linked to travel from areas experiencing community transmission.

Preventive Measures and Symptoms

To mitigate the risk of contracting Mpox, the HSE has provided several recommendations. Individuals are advised to stay informed about travel advisories, particularly when visiting regions where the virus is prevalent. Regular handwashing with soap or using alcohol-based sanitizers is strongly encouraged. Open discussions about health with sexual partners are also vital.

The symptoms of Mpox can include a skin rash or pus-filled lesions, which typically last for two to four weeks. Additional symptoms may consist of fever, headaches, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes. Those experiencing symptoms are urged to self-isolate and contact their healthcare provider without delay.

The HSE emphasizes the importance of vaccination for individuals at higher risk. Appointments for vaccination can be arranged at St Vincent’s Hospital or Mater Hospital in Dublin.

The public is also cautioned against sharing personal items such as bedding and towels with individuals displaying symptoms, as well as avoiding close contact with anyone unwell. Furthermore, caution should be exercised when encountering wild or stray animals while traveling in central or eastern Africa.

While Clade 2 of the Mpox virus has been present in Ireland at lower levels since 2022 and is generally seen as less severe, Clade 1 poses a greater risk with reported fatalities in Central Africa. No deaths from this strain have been recorded in Europe to date.

The HSE has not disclosed specific details regarding the region, age, or gender of the individuals involved in this cluster. As the situation develops, those who have recently returned from areas with community transmission are advised to monitor their health for three weeks and report any concerns to a medical professional.