A single case of Clade I mpox has been detected in Ireland, the Health Service Executive has said.
The HSE said that while it is the first case in the country, "it is not unexpected" as there have been a small number of cases elsewhere in Europe and in countries outside of Europe.
It added that the risk to the public remains low.
The Irish resident who was diagnosed with Clade I mpox had recently returned from the Democratic Republic of Congo, where mpox is circulating in the community.
The HSE is advising anyone who has recently returned from a country where mpox is circulating in the community to look out for symptoms for three weeks and seek medical advice if they have any concerns.
It said common symptoms of mpox include a skin rash or pus-filled lesions which can last two to four weeks.
Mpox can also cause fever, headaches, muscle aches, back pain, low energy and swollen lymph nodes.
The virus can be passed on through close person-to-person contact and through contact with contaminated materials. It can spread from animals to people.
The HSE added that anyone who received two doses of the mpox vaccine or who has previously had the virus is considered to have protection against severe illness caused by Clade I mpox.
Director of National Health Protection, Dr Éamonn O'Moore, said he would like to "reassure the public that the risk to the Irish population remains low".
"Close contacts are being contacted by the local public health team. They have been given appropriate advice to reduce the risk of any potential spread and will be followed up with until there is no longer any risk of developing infection. As part of our public health work we are also investigating how the individual acquired the infection.
"The HSE is fully prepared to respond to this case as work has been ongoing since August 2024. We have been working alongside international partners and National Health Protection has been monitoring mpox closely since the outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo first emerged," Dr O’Moore added.
