RIYADH: A 32-year-old Filipina nurse working in Jubail, Eastern Province, has become the 30th confirmed swine flu case in the Kingdom, the Ministry of Health announced yesterday.

Ministry of Health spokesman Dr. Khalid Al-Mirghalani told Arab News that the woman contracted the H1N1 virus within the past 24 hours and has been admitted to Saudi Aramco Hospital in Dhahran. The woman came from the Philippines seven days ago. The authorities did not provide flight information.

“Our network is very strong in the Kingdom and we have left no stones unturned to track those 30 infected patients,” said Al-Mirghalani. “But we also need the cooperation of the public to help us in our endeavors which would make our task easier in the interest of the public health.”

The Ministry of Health is maintaining its policy of advising anyone who has recently traveled from countries that have reported swine flu to contact the nearest health authorities if they contract flu-like symptoms, like runny nose, fever, coughing or sore throat. The Ministry of Health has established a toll-free line (800-249-4444) to respond to inquiries.

The thermal cameras were out in full force yesterday at Riyadh’s King Khaled International Airport. “They were putting the thermal camera close to the passengers to trace any infected patients,” said an expatriate who arrived last night on a Saudia flight from the US. “Passengers with high fevers cannot escape the check.”

While, there have been no reported swine flu related deaths in the region, consumers seems to be rushing to snatch up medication off pharmacy shelves. The mad rush to stock up on drugs, especially Tamiflu, continues.

In Bahrain, private hospitals are reportedly selling Tamiflu tablets at five times the regular cost.

“The ministry has received reports that Tamiflu is being sold illegally at a higher price. At present, all we can say is that all health centers and clinics are strictly monitored to deal with the issue,” a Ministry of Health spokesperson told Arab News.

Sources said that some hospitals and pharmacies were reselling the Tamiflu stocks provided to them by the Ministry of Health as reserves to deal with any potential swine flu cases they encounter.

Meanwhile, independent MP Jassim Al-Saidi called on the public to be careful while placing order for the drugs online.”

“There are increasing numbers of people who are buying Tamiflu tablets from the web. People should double-check the sellers and the drug before they place an order.

They should receive the right drug at the right price,” the MP stressed. Health authorities have advised pregnant women, the elderly and people suffering from autoimmune disorders as the vulnerable group at risk from the H1N1 virus.

“The flu season in Bahrain begins in September and we are now preparing to deal with additional outbreaks of the virus,” said head of the Public Health Directorate at the Bahrain Ministry of Health Dr. Khariya Moussa.

Bahrain has registered so far 14 swine flu cases. Most of the cases were among a 13-member Bahraini student group that returned last week from US after a 10-month educational exchange program.