What is the Mpox virus as HSE confirms cluster of more serious strain detected in Ireland

The HSE has confirmed that three cases of the potentially more dangerous strain of mpox has been detected in Ireland.

According to the HSE, the three cases are linked and their close contacts have been notified and are being monitored. It is unknown what part of the country the cluster of cases has been detected in.

The three cases are the Clade I strain of mpox which is considered the more serious type, and only a single case of Clade I has been reported in Ireland before this in February of this year.

There are two types of mpox, Clade I and Clade II. There have been a small number of people in Ireland that have been diagnosed with mpox since 2022 but most of these have been cases of Clade II. Clade I, on the other hand, is rarely seen outside of Africa.

The World Health Organisation declared a global public health emergency last year after the Clade I mpox strain spiked in the Democratic Republic of Congo, spreading to surrounding countries. The emergency was just lifted this month.

Despite Clade II causing more severe illness, the HSE said that the risk to public health in Ireland is low and that regional public health teams are closely monitoring the cases.

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With 138 deaths and 34,000 cases of mpox reported across the world since the start of the year, the recent reports of the clusters may be worrying to some here in Ireland despite reassurances from the HSE about the low risk to public health. So what should people look out for?

How does someone contract mpox?

According to the HSE, mpox spreads from person to person through very close contact. It can also spread from animals to people in areas where infected animals are. Anyone can contract it, although you are more likely to get it if you are in close contact or live with someone who has mpox such as a partner or healthcare worker.

If you are identified as a close contact of someone who has mpox, you'll be contacted by healthcare professionals.

What are the symptoms of mpox?

When it comes to symptoms, it usually takes between 5 and 21 days for the first symptoms to appear. Symptoms may include a high temperature of 38.5 degrees Celsius or higher, headaches, muscle aches or joint pains, back ache, swollen glands, shivering (chills), and/or exhaustion.

In addition to these, a rash usually appears 1 to 5 days after the first symptoms. The rash can appear on any part of your body such as your mouth, palms of your hands or soles of your feet, or genitals. 

The rash starts as raised spots, which turn into sores (ulcers) or small blisters filled with fluid. The blisters eventually form scabs which later fall off.

These symptoms tend to clear up within 2 to 4 weeks.

How to treat mpox?

People can be assured that most cases are mild and can be managed at home while self-isolating to stop the spread. However, some people may need treatment in hospital if their symptoms become more severe.

It's very important to remember to alert your GP or clinic of your symptoms before visiting to avoid the spread of mpox.

For more information, see the HSE's website.