A number of Irish people are receiving treatment following a botulism outbreak in the French city of Bordeaux.
The city is one of those hosting the Rugby World Cup.
The outbreak is being linked to a wine bar in the city and specifically to sardines.
The HSE is advising anyone who ate sardines at the Tchin Tchin Wine Bar - 3 Rue Emile Duploye, 33000 Bordeaux - between Monday September 4th and Sunday September 10th, and who feel unwell, to seek urgent medical care.
The health service has said "a small number of Irish citizens" have been affected and are receiving appropriate care in France.
The Embassy is aware of a botulism outbreak linked to a wine bar in Bordeaux.
We advise Irish citizens who ate in Tchin Tchin Wine Bar between September 4th and 10th to immediately consult a doctor if experiencing any symptoms.— Irish Embassy Paris (@IrlEmbParis) September 13, 2023
Dr Greg Martin, director of the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC), has said the timeframe is very specific.
"It is important to emphasise that this advice only applies to those who ate sardines at the premises during the time specified," he said.
"There are no other circumstances in which a person can be affected by this incident."
Botulism, which is caused by toxins produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria, can be a serious and potentially fatal condition.
Symptoms include blurred vision and difficulty in swallowing and speaking, but sometimes diarrhoea and vomiting can occur.
The disease can lead to problems with vision and paralysis.
Botulism is a notifiable disease in Ireland and can be fatal in 5% to 10% of cases.
The HPSC was alerted to the outbreak by French authorities on September 12th, with further details of the restaurant becoming available on September 13th.
