The ministry has implemented several "preventative measures" to contain a possible outbreak and imposed a ban on the import of live pigs, MP Ismail Sukariyeh told a press conference.

The ministry is also developing a plan for a comprehensive survey of pig farms across Lebanon, said Sukariyeh who is head of the Lebanese Health Body.

The WHO's Phase Five alert means widespread transmission from person to person.

The ministry issued a statement explaining the virus' symptoms and listing precautionary steps that citizens must follow in case of a suspected contamination:

-Avoid contact with anyone demonstrating traditional flu symptoms (cold).

- Wear a mask in the presence of infected people.

- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after contact with infected people or after being in contaminated places.

- Avoid public and crowded venues.

- In case of a suspected swine flu case, temperature should be regularly monitored, particularly with the exacerbation of other symptoms, including vomiting and diarrhea.

-Immediately consult a doctor in case of such symptoms.

-Refrain from using anti-inflammatory drugs before consulting a doctor.

-Notify your physician of recent travel, especially to countries where the swine flu pandemic was reported.

In this context, the WHO said the symptoms of swine flu resembled those of a mild form of influenza, but with the addition of fever, coughing, sore throat, body aches, headaches, chills, and fatigue and in few cases diarrhea and vomiting.

Swine flu is believed to be a new strain that combines bird, swine and common human influenza. Yet, there is no risk of infection from the consumption of well-cooked pork and pork products, WHO said.

WHO officials are already taking the first steps towards making a vaccine against the virus which might take a few months.(Naharnet-AFP)