The HSE has asked people to be aware of symptoms of norovirus, as cases of the infection have reached almost four times the level they were at this time last year.
Norovirus, also known as the winter vomiting bug, is an "easily spread" virus that causes sudden onset of vomiting and diarrhoea.
In statement this morning, the Health Protection Surveillance Centre said a total of 394 cases have been recorded in the first ten weeks of this year.
This is nearly four times the number recorded at the same stage last year, when 109 were confirmed.
The HSE has said that young children and elderly people have been the most affected, with 50% of cases seen in those over the age of 65, and 28% of cases seen in children under five.
In addition to major symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhoea, the Executive has said people are also likely to have norovirus if they have a slight fever, headaches, painful stomach cramps and aching limbs.
It is urging people to learn how to stop the spread amid the rise in cases.
Tips to prevent the spread of the bug include frequent handwashing and thoroughly cleaning contaminated surfaces.
HPSC consultant in public health medicine Dr Paul McKeown has said the virus lasts for a long time on surfaces, adding: "If you touch a surface contaminated with norovirus and then touch your mouth, this can make you sick.
"Cleaning your hands with soap and water is the best protection against catching norovirus and it is important to note that alcohol hand gels do not work against the virus."
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Dr Illona Duffy, a GP based in Monaghan said they have noticed a rise in viral infections over the last week, including the winter vomiting bug.
She said norovirus is very contagious so it tends to spread fast and cause outbreaks in areas like schools, creches and workplaces.
Dr Duffy said there is a worry about dehydration among older people and young children, particularly those under the age of six months, as they are the group "that tend to require admission" to hospital.
She said people are more aware of how viruses spread since the Covid pandemic and it has taught some lessons.
"It is almost nearly virus etiquette. Trying to prevent the onward spread and prevent other people getting these illnesses."
Norovirus, also known as winter vomiting bug, is an easily spread virus that causes sudden onset of vomiting and diarrhoea. Cases of Norovirus are increasing in Ireland.
— HSE Ireland (@HSELive) March 21, 2023
For information on the symptoms and how to help stop the spread of infection, visit: https://t.co/DNIrRXMMy0 pic.twitter.com/X0z2p2xv9P
Dr Kim Roberts, Assistant Professor of Virology at Trinity College Dublin said that people only need to be exposed to between ten and 100 virus particles to become infected with it, "so it is very contagious".
She said people can become infected when they touch a contaminated surface, eat contaminated food or drink contaminated water.
Dr Roberts said while symptoms may disappear after a few days, people can still be infectious for up to two weeks after.
"One of the difficulties with this virus is that once you start to feel better, you can still be releasing this virus. So you can still be contagious and pass it on to other people."
Additional reporting Karen Creed
