The Department of Health has warned Irish citizens against travelling to countries affected by the SARS virus.
In a statement this afternoon the Department said it is advising individuals not to undertake non-essential or elective travel to areas affected with the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) until further notice.
These areas include parts of China (Beijing, Guangdong, Hong Kong, Shanxi, Taiwan Province), Singapore, Hanoi and Toronto.
The Department said it was issuing the warning following the serious public health threat identified by authorities in the areas affected.
It also warned the list of affected areas is specified by the World Health Organisation and may change as the 'outbreak' evolves.
"Therefore, intending travellers are requested to monitor the WHO website for the latest information," it said.
In the past two weeks, the mystery pneumonia virus has killed at least 17 people - including 10 in Hong Kong - and infected over 450 people in 11 countries worldwide.
Two suspect cases of the virus in the Republic are currently being treated in Mayo General and Tallaght Hospitals respectively.
Both patients flew from South East Asia to the Republic via airports in Europe.
One completed the journey from Amsterdam to Dublin. The other flew from London to Dublin, before connecting with a domestic flight from Dublin to Knock.
It is understood understands neither was symptomatic during the flights. Both are said to be in a stable condition.