It's only a matter of time before monkeypox arrives to Ireland, according to a tropical disease expert.
The HSE has confirmed it's assessing the disease and preparing a response to it.
The virus, which has existed in West Africa since the 1970s, causes a mild flu-like illness and bumps to appear on the skin - similar to chicken pox.
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Director of the Tropical Medical Bureau at Travel Health Clinics Dr Graham Fry expects it to crop up in Ireland soon.
"There's no reason why it shouldn't arrive in Ireland, with international travel the way it is."
Cases of the disease have been identified in Canada, the US, Portugal, Spain and England in recent weeks.
