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As concern rises over the spread of monkeypox in the UK, the Public Health Agency (PHA) has said there have been no confirmed cases in Northern Ireland.

The agency said it is aware of the cases of monkeypox in England and is in regular contact with UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) regarding the situation.

A multidisciplinary incident management team (IMT) has been established to ensure that the PHA is fully prepared for any potential risk to people in Northern Ireland.

What is monkeypox and how do you get it?

Dr Gillian Armstrong, Head of Health Protection at the PHA, said: “Monkeypox is usually a mild self-limiting illness and most people recover within a few weeks.

“The infection can be passed on through close contact with someone with the infection, or contact with clothing or linens used by a person who has monkeypox.

“However, the virus does not usually spread easily between people and the risk to the Northern Ireland population is considered low.”

What should you do if you think you have contracted monkeypox?

Monkeypox: has it been confirmed in NI and what are the symptoms?