The first case of Coronavirus COVID-19 has been confirmed in the Republic of Ireland.
A man in the east of the country has been diagnosed with the virus, the HSE has confirmed.
The man had recently travelled from an affected area of northern Italy.
He is currently receiving “appropriate medical care” in hospital.
Infection prevention measures are in place, the HSE has confirmed.
“This is not unexpected. We have been preparing for this eventuality for many weeks now,” said Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer with the Department of Health.
“Public health protocols have been in place since January and are operating effectively.
“The health service is well used to managing infectious diseases and has robust response measures in place,” Dr Holohan added.
The HSE is working to establish any contact the patient may have had with other people.
Dr John Cuddihy, Director of the Health Protection Surveillance Centre, said: “The HSE is now working rapidly to identify any contacts the patient may have had, to provide them with information and advice to prevent further spread.
“It is important to note that the risk of transmission through casual contact is low.”
The first Coronavirus diagnosis in Northern Ireland was confirmed on Thursday after a woman in Belfast tested positive after returning from Italy.
Information on Coronavirus is available on www.hse.ie
