Israel will implement stricter screening at all arrival ports to check the incoming passengers, both from Mexico and any other countries hit by the swine flu virus, local media reported on Thursday.

The decision was made during an emergency meeting held by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and senior health officials in Jerusalem, in a bid to prepare for the possibility of a swine flu outbreak in Israel.

According to the border examinations plan, each passenger landing at Israeli Ben-Gurion International Airport after visiting Mexico will be examined by a doctor before entering the country.

Two Israelis have already been confirmed as having the virus, while four other suspected cases tested negative.

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

The ministry also opened a hot line for questions about swine flu from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM on Thursday.

(Xinhua News Agency April 30, 2009)