Britain has said it is monitoring closely the spread of swine flu as three potential cases had been reportedly found in the country by Sunday.

So far, at least 86 deaths linked with the virus have been reported in Mexico, and more cases have been identified in other countries.

First case in Europe tests negative 

Concerns are amounting after a British Airways steward showed signs of flu-like symptoms upon arriving in London from Mexico on Saturday. The unnamed man was taken to a hospital in north London, but tests later showed he was not suffering from the virus.

However, on Sunday, concerns rose again as two people were admitted to Monklands hospital in Airdrie, Scotland, after they showed signs of flu.

"The patients have displayed mild flu-like symptoms and their current condition is not causing concern," said Nicola Sturgeon, the Scottish deputy first minister and health secretary.

"Precautionary tests are being conducted on these people and results of these further tests are expected later this weekend, or early next week," she said.

But "there is no immediate threat to public health in Scotland," she said.

Several other people who came into close contact with the two individuals are however been closely monitored.

The Health Protection Agency said on Sunday that there had been no confirmed cases in Britain or anywhere in Europe.

The agency said it is "monitoring this situation closely, and is working with the UK government to review the current incident and any threat it poses to UK public health."

There has been no change to the World Health Organization (WHO) pandemic alert level, which is currently at WHO Phase 3, said the agency. This means a flu with "no or very limited human-to-human transmission," although WHO has warned of a potential global pandemic.

There are no current travel restrictions on those who are planning to visit the affected areas of Mexico or the United States, the HPA reported.

However, the agency gave general advice to travelers returning from affected areas, saying they should contact their doctors if they showed signs of influenza.

General advice about hygiene was also provided, such as covering the nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing and using a tissue wherever possible.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has advised that travelers to Mexico should "avoid large crowds, shaking hands, kissing people as a greeting, or using the subway."

A distance of at least six feet (1.83 meters) from other persons should be maintained, the FCO suggested.

Slow response

Describing swine flu outbreaks in Mexico and the United States as a "public health emergency," WHO has said many countries are well prepared.

In Britain, however, there has been a somewhat slower response to the potential risk than that seen in other countries.

There has been little or outdated information from other official sources. Many agencies have not refreshed information on their websites, nor could many be contacted through their press offices.

The British Airports Authority media center was not available on Sunday to offer information. And there was little information from other official departments. This was in strong contrast to the reaction in the United States, where 20 cases have been confirmed.

However, passengers arriving at Gatwick airport, the second largest airport in the UK, said that they had been asked to fill in a questionnaire upon their arrival from Mexico.