Home / Health / Mpox Cases Surge in Northern Ireland
Mpox Cases Surge in Northern Ireland
2 Jul
Summary
- 21 mpox cases detected in Northern Ireland in the last three weeks.
- A new clade Ib strain of mpox has been identified for the first time.
- Vaccination is recommended for at-risk groups through sexual health clinics.
In the last three weeks, Northern Ireland has recorded 21 cases of mpox, a notable increase compared to the nine cases reported between 2023 and early 2026. This recent outbreak includes the first identified cases of the clade Ib strain in the region, distinct from the clade II strain prevalent during the 2022 global outbreak.
The Public Health Agency (PHA) emphasizes that mpox primarily affects men who have sex with men. Eligible individuals are encouraged to seek vaccination through local sexual health clinics, especially with increased travel anticipated during the summer months.
This rise in cases aligns with increased mpox activity across Europe and the UK. While mpox is less severe than smallpox, initial symptoms include fever and headaches, followed by a characteristic rash. The PHA advises individuals with symptoms to abstain from sexual contact to prevent transmission. Vaccination is available for those considered at higher risk, and a completed course from 2022 is deemed sufficient.
