Cases of mpox in Ireland remain low despite the recent increase in cases identified in Africa and the declaration by the World Health Organisation Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus of a public health emergency of international concern. According to Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) figures, six cases have been reported nationally so far in 2024, which were due to clade II mpox.
The African cases that are driving the current concern are attributable to clade I mpox (divided into two subgroups, clade Ia and clade Ib). No cases of clade Ia or Ib mpox have been detected in Ireland to date. One case of clade Ib mpox has been reported in Sweden and the overall risk for the EU/EEA general population is currently assessed as low (excluding those who have had close contact with a confirmed or suspected case from affected areas in Africa, who are classed as at moderate risk of infection).
Responding in 2022, Ireland was among the best performing mpox vaccine programmes in Europe. Over 11,000 doses of the vaccine were administered, with more than 5,000 people fully vaccinated. In view of the new clade and public health emergency, the HSE is considering the need for a new vaccine programme and will be advised by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee. The HPSC says Ireland has sufficient supplies of mpox vaccine to meet any emerging needs over coming months.
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