Kuwait's state news agency KUNA reported on Saturday that several American troops passing through the country have been infected with swine flu. The report quoted a senior health official as saying the troops were treated on a U.S. base and some have already left Kuwait.

On its part, the U.S. embassy in Kuwait Ciry said Saturday that it is aware that H1N1 influenza cases have been tentatively confirmed among US military personnel assigned abroad, including soldiers transiting via US military bases in Kuwait.

In a statement, cited by KUNA, it said, "We are aware that H1N1 influenza cases have been tentatively confirmed among US military personnel assigned abroad, including soldiers transiting via US military bases in Kuwait." It said, however, that the individuals concerned have been isolated and treated by US military doctors at US military facilities. "They have not come into any contact with the Kuwaiti population." The embassy added that the US and Kuwaiti governments "have closely coordinated monitoring and response measures."

© 2009 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)