Ireland Reports First Case of Highly Transmissible Mpox Variant

The Republic of Ireland has confirmed its first case of the Clade 1 mpox variant, a more transmissible strain of the virus, according to the Health Service Executive (HSE). The infected individual had recently traveled from the Democratic Republic of Congo and is now receiving specialist care in Dublin.

Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, spreads through close contact, including skin-to-skin interaction, respiratory droplets, and contaminated objects. While Clade 1 is considered more severe than previous variants, health experts assure that individuals who have received two doses of the mpox vaccine or previously had the virus are protected against severe illness.

Health authorities worldwide are monitoring the spread of Clade 1, which has been rapidly circulating in parts of Africa since 2023. Countries like Sweden, Germany, India, and the US have reported imported cases, but widespread transmission outside of Africa remains limited. The WHO continues to emphasize vaccination and preventive measures to control the outbreak.