Warning issued to people travelling to Spain and Portugal as moneypox cases rise

A warning has been issued to people traveling to Spain and Portugal in the coming days.

A health warning has been shared after a spike in monkeypox cases.

Cases remain low in Ireland, but they have increased in both Spain and Portugal.

An expert has urged travellers to be vigilant if visiting these countries.

Dr. Derval Igoe, Chair of the HSE Monkeypox Incident Management Team urged people to be cautious.

Speaking to Morning Ireland, Dr. Igoe confirmed Spain has 142 cases. Portugal has also noticed a rise in cases. There are currently 119 cases confirmed there.

Dr. Igoe said being aware of the symptoms of monkeypox is key.

Luckily, most cases of the disease have been mild across Europe.

“The general picture has been a mild illness, and most people have managed at home and get better themselves without any further intervention.

“The cases that we have been seeing both in Ireland and also right throughout western Europe and the rest of the world is that it’s not linked to travel to West Africa.”

The first symptoms of monkeypox include fever, headache, and muscle pains. People may also experience swollen lymph nodes and tiredness. This is then followed by a rash. The rash forms white blisters which eventually crust over. Symptoms can last from 2 to 4 weeks.

Doctors diagnose cases by testing the lesions for the virus’s DNA.

Monkeypox is typically spread through animal bites or through direct contact with an infected animal’s bodily fluids.

It can also be spread by close contact with humans who are already infected.

Read more: Parents told not to worry about monkeypox as cases are rare in children