Monkeypox
The HSE and the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine Affairs have published tips regarding monkeypox for the general public.
According to the DAFM, monkeypox is a disease that arises from infection with the monkeypox virus.
He explains that it is a zoonotic disease, that is, it can spread between animals and humans.
The HSE describes monkeypox as a “rare” infection, which is transmitted primarily by wild animals to parts of central or West Africa.
He therefore says the risk of catching the virus in Ireland is “very low”.
Transmission
He says it may be possible to contract the virus by touching other products such as skins or skins of infected animals or by consuming meat from an infected animal that has not been thoroughly cooked.
He also explains that it may be possible to catch smallpox from an infected animal if it bites or touches your blood, stains, scabs, blisters or body fluids.
Symptoms in humans:
Some of the first symptoms, according to HSE instructions, are high temperature, swollen glands, tremors, exhaustion, headache, muscle aches and back pain.
However, it does advise that a rash, which can usually appear 1 to 5 days after the first symptoms, is obvious, but is “sometimes confused” with chickenpox.
In animals:
Meanwhile, the DAFM describes the signs of the virus in animals.
He lists them as fever, reduced appetite, respiratory signs, mouth ulcers, skin lesions that eventually discharge and discharge due to / redness of the eyes.
Hosts
Meanwhile, the DAFM says its full range of hosts is “uncertain,” but the animals are known to be susceptible to infection.
These include primates and rodents such as:
- mice;
- rates;
- hamsters;
- gerbills;
- Guinea pigs;
- prairie dogs;
- Squirrels.
He says there is limited evidence available about the risk to other mammals, such as dogs, cats and rabbits. and ferrets: they become infected.
You are advised to follow public health advice on self-isolation if you have a confirmed human case of monkeypox virus.
An infected human, he explains, can transmit the virus to a pet after “close and direct” contact.
“You should avoid close contact with animals if you are infected with the monkeypox virus,” a DAFM spokesman said.
To prevent transmission to other humans and animals, the DAFM advises you to:
- Avoid close contact with your pet. It is important that you avoid manipulating your pet.
- Take hygiene precautions when preparing your pet’s food, bedding, or sand.
- Keep your pet indoors away from other humans and animals;
- Bring pets, such as dogs, outside for the bathroom, if you have an enclosed and securely enclosed outdoor space;
- Hygienically remove animal feces from the environment.
Avoid transmission
According to the DAFM, if your pet has smallpox, to prevent transmission to other humans and animals, you should:
- It is important that you avoid touching and manipulating your pet, unless it is absolutely unavoidable. If possible, arrange for a family member or friend to take care of your pet;
- Strictly follow hygiene precautions if it is not possible to avoid contact with your pet;
- Take hygiene precautions when preparing your pet’s food, bedding, or sand, for example, wear a mask and gloves, and avoid contamination from your rashes or injuries;
- Keep your pet indoors, away from other humans and animals, for 21 days after your last contact with your pet;
- You can bring pets, such as dogs, outside with a leash for the bathroom, if you have an enclosed and securely enclosed outdoor space;
- Hygienically remove animal feces from the environment.
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