The first confirmed case of monkeypox in Ireland has been identified, the Health Service Executive (HSE) said.
The infection was reported on Friday night in the east of the country and the affected person was not hospitalized.
Another suspicious case is also being investigated and the results of the tests are awaited, health officials said.
A public health risk assessment has been carried out and people who have been in contact with the person on what to do in case of illness are advised.
An HSE statement said: “The Health Protection Monitoring Center was notified last night of a confirmed case of smallpox in Ireland, in the east of the country.
“This person has not been hospitalized. This was not unexpected after the presence of smallpox cases in the United Kingdom and many European countries.
“Public health is tracking those who had close contact with the person with monkeypox while they were infectious. In order to maintain patient confidentiality, no further information will be provided about that person.
“A suspicious case is also being investigated and the results of the tests are awaited. A public health risk assessment has been carried out and people who have been in contact with the person are advised what they have to do it in case they get sick. “
The UK Health Agency announced on Friday that 16 more cases of smallpox had been identified in England, for a total of 101. Three cases had been found so far in Scotland and one in Wales and Ireland North.