Three more cases of so-called swine flu have been confirmed in Ireland, bringing the total number to seven.
Chief medical officer of the Department of Health Dr Tony Holohan today confirmed a further three cases of Influenza Type A (H1N1).
He said two of the patients, an adult male and a child are from the western region of the country while the other patient is a female from the Eastern region.
All the patients have recently returned from New York and are aware of the confirmed test results.
"They are currently being treated at home and all necessary public health protection measures are being taken. These new cases are unconnected with the previous cases confirmed in Ireland," Dr Holohan said.
"As I have being saying since the start, we have expected further cases so this does not come as a surprise. Both the Department of Health and Children and the Health Service Executive have planned for this eventually and continue preparations in anticipation of further cases."
The Department of Health said that in order to help minimise further cases, the general public should take measures to protect themselves, such as disposing of used tissues and washing their hands thoroughly.
People who have visited an affected area and who become ill with flu-like symptoms should also make their initial contact with their GP by telephone and not present at a GP surgery or A&E unit, the Department of Health added.