The Department of Health and Children has confirmed the first case of swine flu in the State.
In a brief statement this evening, Dr Tony Holohan Chief Medical Officer at the Department, said laboratory test results had confirmed that a man recently returned from Mexico and displaying flu-like symptoms was suffering from Influenza A (H1N1).
"Laboratory test results, previously reported as probable Influenza A (H1N1), have now been confirmed. The case was orginally reported on 30th April and relates to an adult male in the Eastern region who had recently returned from Mexico. All appropriate clinical and public health actions have been taken. The individual is recovering well," Dr Holohan said.
The man attended his doctor within a day of arriving back in Ireland and was treated with Tamiflu. He is currently in isolation in his home receiving antiviral treatment.
The man, who is from the east of the country, had arrived on a long-haul flight in an airport outside Ireland before transferring to Dublin. He was not considered a health risk at the time.
Anyone who has been in contact with him has been asked to stay at home for a week and take medication for 10 days.
At a press briefing in Government Buildings earlier today, Professor Bill Hall, Chairman of the National Pandemic Influenza Expert Group, said that outside of Mexico, the virus appeared to be a relatively mild disease but admitted it was still a “mystery” as to why this is the case.
“It is very unclear as to why it’s such a severe disease there. We just have to keep monitoring the situation. We will know more about the spectrum of the disease in the coming weeks,” he said.
Gavin Maguire, head of emergency planning with the Health Service Executive, said they had been meeting in crisis mode since Tuesday and were reviewing the adequacy of antiviral stockpiles every day.