A school child was being treated for swine flu, it emerged today.
The child, aged around seven, from Castlebar, Co Mayo is not seriously ill and was being treated at home.
All family and children and parents who may have been in contact with the youngster were being notified.
“The Department (of Health) can confirm that an additional case has been identified as a positive case of Influenza A (H1N1),” a government spokeswoman said.
“The child is being cared for at home. All contacts have been traced and all necessary health measures are being taken.”
The youngster, believed to be from Balla just outside Castlebar, attends school in the nearby Breaffy area.
The principal of the school has been contacting all parents, including sending out text messages, to invite them to a meeting this afternoon.
Eighteen swine flu cases have now been confirmed in Ireland, including two more that came to light this afternoon.
Seperately, another case of swine flu was confirmed in Northern Ireland today.
It brings to 14 the number being treated for the virus in the province.
Another eight possible victims are under investigation.
The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety said the latest case was a women recently return from the US. She had mild flu symptoms and was recovering at home.
PA