Israeli health authorities on Thursday found two more people suspected of being infected with swine flu, local media reported.

A 75-year-old woman is currently hospitalized at Laniado Hospital in Netanya while a nine-year-old girl is being treated at Meir Hospital in Kfar Sava, according to the website of local daily Ha'aretz.

Both patients, who had recently returned from Mexico, are quarantined until the reason for their condition is verified.

Israel has confirmed two citizens of carrying the virus, while four other patients, having flu-like symptoms after returning from Mexico, tested negative on Wednesday.

Earlier on Thursday, Israeli Health Ministry decided to raise the readiness level for the swine flu virus to Phase 5 out of 6, in a bid to prepare for the possibility of a swine flu outbreak in Israel.

The Ministry will dispatch doctors to border crossings and entry points into Israel, especially Ben-Gurion International Airport, according to a statement released by Israel Government Press Office.

People who were in Mexico in the past week are requested to remain at home, refraining from arriving at crowded places and from using public transportation, the statement added.

The Health Ministry will also increase stocks of medicines for the disease at all cost. Relevant officials will be in continuous contact with the Palestinian National Authority, Jordan and Egypt regarding cooperation on the issue, according to the statement.

The Health Ministry is to begin on Thursday an information campaign to instruct the public on how to reduce the chances of becoming infected with the disease and to prevent its spread.

On Wednesday, the World Health Organization raised the current level of influenza pandemic alert from phase 4 to 5, advising all countries to immediately activate their pandemic preparedness plans.