Israeli Health Ministry announced on Wednesday night that four patients who were suspicious of carrying the swine flu virus tested negative for the disease.

A 54-year-old woman and a 36-year-old man were quarantined earlier in the day in separate hospitals after returning from Mexico with flu-like symptoms, according to a statement issued by the ministry.

But test results confirmed that they and two children hospitalized earlier had not contracted the virus as previously suspected, said the statement.

Two Israelis were confirmed on Tuesday as having the virus, and two additional suspected cases of swine flu are being checked.

Israeli Health Ministry will begin from Thursday disseminating information regarding the disease.

The ministry has advised Israeli people to take precautions to avoid contracting the virus, recommending that the public be vigilant and maintain personal hygiene.

In addition, the ministry has asked anyone who has been in contact with infected individuals to avoid crowds.

(Xinhua News Agency April 30, 2009)