Portiuncula University Hospital is currently treating patients, including infants, who are very sick with Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).
The hospital has asked the public to not visit patients if they are feeling unwell.
RSV is a highly contagious respiratory disease and is the main cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in very young children.
Bronchiolitis may lead to breathing and feeding difficulties and can result in hospitalisation.
RSV can also be serious and life-threatening for older adults, individuals with weak immune systems, and children who are premature or have chronic heart and lung disease.
James Keane, Hospital Manager at Portiuncula University Hospital, asked the public to be mindful of the safety of vulnerable patients and to not visit the hospital if they have a cough, cold, temperature, runny nose or sneezing.
“Limited visiting is in place in the Maternity Ward to protect our newborns and younger babies who are at particular risk from RSV. Children should not visit the Maternity Ward,” he said.
Anyone with symptoms of RSV is advised to stay away from others if you feel unwell, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, bin used tissues and wash your hands after and regularly throughout the day.