Health officials have confirmed the first case of the Clade 1 mpox variant in Ireland. The individual, an Irish resident recently returned from the Democratic Republic of Congo, is receiving specialist treatment in a Dublin hospital.
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has reassured the public that the risk remains low, as those vaccinated with two doses of the mpox vaccine or who have previously had the virus are considered protected against severe illness.
What is Mpox?
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is caused by a virus related to smallpox but is generally less severe. It spreads through:
- Close physical contact (including sexual contact, kissing, and skin-to-skin contact)
- Exposure to bodily fluids
- Contact with contaminated bedding, towels, or clothing
- Prolonged face-to-face interaction (such as talking or breathing close to someone)
Symptoms include:
- Flu-like symptoms (fever, headaches, chills, swollen lymph nodes, exhaustion)
- Skin rash and pus-filled lesions
- Painful or itchy sores, especially on the palms, soles, face, and genitals
The infection usually lasts 14 to 21 days and resolves on its own. However, severe cases can be fatal, especially for vulnerable groups like young children.
Concerns Over the Newer Clade 1 Variant
The Clade 1 variant, detected for the first time in Ireland, is considered more contagious and severe than the Clade 2 variant that previously caused outbreaks in Europe.
Health authorities have been monitoring Clade 1 mpox closely, as it has been spreading rapidly in west and central Africa since 2023. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreaks in the region a public health emergency of international concern.
Mpox Cases in Ireland
While this is the first Clade 1 case in Ireland, Clade 2 cases remain low, with eight cases reported in 2025.
- 2024: 25 cases
- 2023: 13 cases
- 2022: 227 cases
In response to growing concerns, millions of vaccines are being distributed to affected regions in east and central Africa. Other countries, including Sweden, Germany, India, Thailand, Canada, and the US, have reported imported cases but limited onward transmission.
Ireland’s Preparedness and Response
Dr Éamonn O’Moore, Director of National Health Protection, assured that the HSE is fully prepared to manage the situation:
“We have been working alongside international partners and have been monitoring mpox closely since the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo first emerged.”
With mpox vaccination sites opening across Europe, including 12 new centres in England, health officials continue to urge vaccination for at-risk individuals to prevent further spread.
Although the public risk remains low, authorities in Ireland are maintaining strict monitoring and precautionary measures to prevent wider transmission of the virus.
