Vaccine supply for monkeypox limited as number of confirmed cases rises to 101

The number of confirmed monkeypox cases in the State has risen by four in the last week to 101, according to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HSPC).

It said public health officials are contacting those who had close contact with confirmed cases while they were infectious. Public health risk assessments have been undertaken and they are being advised on what to do if they become ill, the HPSC added.

Monkeypox has been made a notifiable disease in Ireland, which means medical practitioners and laboratories are required to notify public health officials of infections.

Most monkeypox patients experience only fever, body aches, chills and fatigue, but some may develop a rash and lesions on the face and hands that can spread to other parts of the body. Most people recover within a few weeks. The incubation period of monkeypox is usually six to 13 days, but can range from five to 21 days.

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The Social Democrats have called on Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly to clarify when a vaccination programme will be rolled out.

The National Immunisation Advisory Committee has recommended that smallpox vaccine be used to provide protection against monkeypox. The European Medicines Agency has also recently approved the use of this vaccine for the prevention of monkeypox disease.

However, the HSE has received limited supplies of smallpox vaccine since the outbreak and has been using it to respond to cases of monkeypox. The vaccine is being offered to close contacts after a risk assessment, and also to some healthcare workers.

The HSPC said supplies of vaccine in Ireland and in the EU are low and limited. The HSE is now working to review the NIAC advice, in consultation with stakeholders, and is putting plans in place to identify those most at risk and the best way to use the supply of vaccines.

It said the vast majority of Irish cases do not have a travel link to a country where monkeypox is endemic. Many countries have reported that the cases are predominantly, but not exclusively, in men who self-identify as gay, bisexual or other men who have sex with men.

The World Health Organisation has determined that this multi-country outbreak of monkeypox constitutes a public health emergency of international concern. This declaration came with recommendations for countries with cases of monkeypox, like Ireland, to strengthen their public health and clinical responses to stop transmission and emphasises the importance of engagement with affected communities.

A multidisciplinary incident management team was established by the HSE when the international alert was first raised and commenced activities to prepare for cases in Ireland. It will continue to actively monitor this evolving international situation.