He added: 'Given the length of incubation period and the numbers of cases we have seen across the UK, Europe and globally, we will see more cases, of that there is no doubt. The risk to the general population is considered to be low.'
'The key messages are that this is not an infection which is readily spread between people but can be by close contact. Speaking at a media briefing on Thursday afternoon, Sir Michael McBride said: 'The Public Health Agency (PHA) is working closely with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and partner organisations across these islands in terms of identifying possible cases, probable cases, or indeed any contacts. The current risk to the population in NI is considered to be low due to the fact the virus does not spread easily. Monkeypox is usually associated with travel to West Africa and is usually a self-limiting virus that's spread by very close contact with someone who has been infected. Read more: Monkeypox Northern Ireland - first confirmed case in Northern Ireland In order to protect patient confidentiality, no further details about the new case are being disclosed. Professor Sir Michael McBride was speaking after the first case of the virus was confirmed here on Thursday, which he said was 'not unexpected'. The Chief Medical Officer has said he is fairly confident that Northern Ireland will see further monkeypox cases.