Bahrain is bracing for any outbreak of swine flu (H1N1 influenza). The health authorities are on the alert after Saudi confirmed three cases.

"We are ready to deal with it through the epidemic early warning systems, primary and secondary health departments and labs," Under-Secretary and head of supreme committee for combating H1N1 Dr Abdulhay Al Awadhi said.

He said precautionary measures have been taken to avert any outbreak.

"The ministry has provided sufficient stocks of vaccines for pilgrims and other vulnerable categories," Al Awadhi said, calling on people not to panic.

He also denied any alarming signs of an imminent outbreak.-TradeArabia News Service