Three people are said to be in isolation at University Hospital Limerick awaiting test results for the coronavirus.
All three are believed to have recently travelled to Ireland from China.
A source at the hospital says two women were admitted with flu-like symptoms after arriving in Ireland from China in the last few days
A third male patient, who also recently travelled here from China, says he too has similar symptoms.
Test results for all three are expected to take up to 8 hours to process
The HSE and Department of Health have declined to comment on the three people.
A Department of Health spokesperson said they will not provide information unless a case of the virus is confirmed.
The Chief Medical Officer, Dr Tony Holohan, said a case of coronavirus in Ireland is possible given the continuing increase in the number of people infected internationally.