Bermuda stands prepared to combat swine flu following this week's first confirmed case involving an Island resident, according to the Health Minister.

Nelson Bascome told The Royal Gazette yesterday that he was not surprised to see a local resident fall ill with influenza A (H1N1) as Bermudians travel so much.

While he believes this summer's hot weather may stop swine flu from spreading, he warned that good hygiene is necessary to combat the virus.

"I am not surprised, as Bermudians are well travelled," he said of this week's news that a 35-year-old had contracted the virus. "We must be vigilant and follow health warnings concerning maintaining cleanliness, like covering coughs and washing hands."

He added that it is possible Bermuda will see more cases of swine flu, but added that "the warm weather is not conducive to generating the flu virus".

Mr. Bascome said that both the Department of Health and King Edward VII Memorial Hospital are ready to dispense anti-viral medication to the public if needed.

"The DoH and KEMH stand prepared to assist and arrest the disease with anti-viral vaccines," he said. "Please note that there are no drugs found to provide a barrier to the virus, thus good hygiene is highly encouraged."

Mr. Bascome spoke following Monday's first reported local case of laboratory-confirmed swine flu.

Chief Medical Officer Dr. John Cann announced that a man with a recent history of travel to an affected area had been treated for the virus.

He was isolated and given antiviral medication and has since recovered.

On June 1, the Department of Health revealed that a 13-year-old visitor from the US had tested positive for swine flu, but was treated and placed in isolation before leaving the Island.

His case is now being classed as a US case since the patient is from there.

As of this week, 73 countries have officially reported 25,288 cases of swine flu infection, including 139 deaths, according to World Health Organization figures.

All 50 US states have now recorded cases of swine flu following a widespread outbreak of the virus in neighbouring Mexico in April.