A creche in Limerick has been asked to close by the public health department of the Health Service Executive as a result of an outbreak of E coli O26.

Fewer than ten children have been infected; a number of linked cases have been identified.

The closure is to enable all staff and children attending the creche to be screened.

The HSE said it was satisfied that the creche was fully compliant with pre-school standards.

However, children from this creche will not be able to attend other child care facilities until they have been cleared of infection.