The disease is in the same virus family as smallpox

02:20, Sat, Jul 4, 2026

Mpox is a virus from the same family as smallpox, although it's less severe (Image: GETTY)

Those eligible for the Mpox vaccine in Northern Ireland are being urged to come forward ahead of the summer holidays, as the Public Health Agency has confirmed 21 cases of the viral disease, formerly known as monkeypox, in the past three weeks.

This marks a considerable increase, with the BBC reporting that only nine cases of Mpox had been recorded in Northern Ireland since 2023. The Public Health Agency is calling on people to familiarise themselves with the symptoms, remain alert to warning signs, and get vaccinated, though not everybody will qualify for the jab.

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The key symptoms that the Public Health Agency is urging the public to watch out for include blistering rashes, aches, fever, and swollen glands, all of which can persist for up to three weeks.

According to the NHS, the first symptoms of mpox include:

  • a high temperature, or feeling hot, cold or shivery
  • a headache
  • muscle aches
  • backache
  • swollen glands
  • shivering (chills)
  • exhaustion
  • joint pain

The distinguishing hallmark of mpox is a characteristic rash, which typically emerges one to five days after the onset of other symptoms. It can develop on any area of the body, including the hands, soles of the feet, mouth, or genitals.

The rash is occasionally confused with chickenpox. It begins as small raised spots that develop into ulcers or tiny fluid-filled blisters, which eventually crust over and form scabs that later drop off.

Dr Rachel Coyle, Consultant in Health Protection at the PHA, said: "We want to remind those who are eligible to get vaccinated. Vaccination is available for those eligible in Northern Ireland through sexual health clinics, also known as genitourinary medicine or GUM clinics.

"While anyone can catch mpox, the majority of mpox cases in the UK are in gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM).

"Therefore, those eligible for the vaccine include gay, bisexual or other men who have sex with men who have multiple sexual partners, and those who participate in group sex or attend sex on premises venues. Staff who work in these premises are also eligible.

"If you think you may be eligible and have not yet received your first dose or completed the course of two vaccines, contact your local GUM clinic and enquire about getting the vaccine."

Mpox spreads between people through close physical contact with the infection's distinctive rash, blisters or scabs. This includes transmission during sexual activity or other direct skin-to-skin contact.

The virus can also transfer via contaminated items such as bedding or towels, and through respiratory droplets from coughs and sneezes of an infected person in close proximity. Mpox typically presents as a mild illness and often resolves within a few weeks without medical intervention.

Nevertheless, while symptomatic, people can transmit the virus to others, with certain groups being particularly susceptible to more serious complications. These vulnerable groups include elderly people, young children and those on immunosuppressive medication.