The minister added that seven of the 22 who had been in contact with the two patients have developed "mild symptoms," but they have not been confirmed as swine flu cases and are being "appropriately cared for" at home.
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| A couple wearing surgical masks kiss each other goodbye as the woman is about to board a plane at the international airport in Cancun, Mexico April 27, 2009.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo) |
In Spain, Health and Social Policy Minister Trinidad Jimenez also confirmed the first case of swine flu in the country.
Amid the rapid spread of swine flu in some countries, the World Health Organization (WHO) on Monday raised its pandemic alert level from Phase 3 to Phase 4, indicating a significantly increased risk of a pandemic, a global outbreak of a serious disease.
The increased alert under the advice and guidance of an emergency committee means the virus can cause sustained human-to-human transmission and "community-level outbreaks."
The tough situation impelled countries around the world to take precautious measures to protect themselves and stop the spread of the flu.
In Japan, a task force headed by Prime Minister Taro Aso has been set up to deal with the situation.
The Japanese government said it will conduct quarantine activities on flights from Canada and the United States at three of Japan's key international airports as well as on flights from Mexico, and will have quarantine officers check passengers in the cabin before they disembark the aircraft.
Romanian Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Dan Nica said all measures suggested by the health ministry have been taken to prevent a possible outbreak of the flu in Romania.
