Argentina-Nationals of Argentina stranded in Mexico.

ARGENTINA-BRING PEOPLE HOME FROM MEXICO.

Argentine Ambassador for Mexico Jorge Yoma initially confirmed the decision to send two Aerolíneas Argentinas jets to bring back the stranded tourists, who are staying at hotels paid by the Foreign Ministry. But last night he could not fully confirm the flights will go ahead.

Health Minister Graciela Ocaña advised people to postpone any scheduled flight to the affected countries. Ocaña did not mention any countries specifically, although Mexico and the United States are currently considered to be the most affected countries.

There are 13 suspected cases in Argentina, she said.

"People were very concerned as the rescheduling of the flights would have stranded them in Mexico for ten more days," Yoma said yesterday during a radio interview. But later in the day Yoma said that another option was to use aircrafts already in Mexico.

Yoma also confirmed the suspension of direct flights from Mexico will end on Monday, as the airports have already been prepared to provide health assistance for travelers. "The suspension allowed us to equip our airports with the necessary infrastructure to receive flights from all airlines and countries in the world normally," said Yoma.

Buenos Aires province Health Minister Claudio Zin said that authorities will will have newer elements to study possible cases of Influenza A. Zin said there are currently nine suspicious cases, and added that the examination takes a minimum from four to five days. Zin said a faster kit is likely to be obtained next week.

Also, the Argentine woman who was travelling from Mexico and was hospitalized in Peru with suspicious symptoms, was discharged on Thursday after medical examination confirmed she had a regular flu. Argentine consul in Lima, Roque Bourdieu, said the consulate is currently arranging the return of 27-year-old Alejandra Coche to the country. Coche, who lives in Canada, was suspected to be first Influenza A case in South America.

Meanwhile in Washington, The World Bank on Thursday transferred 1.5 million dollars in already committed funds to Argentina to monitor and prepare for a possible outbreak of the deadly H1N1 flu virus.

The Argentine funding will help buy airport laser detectors to identify the virus in passengers and will allow hospitals to buy and stock medicines to treat the flu, the Bank said.

"The ministry of health in Argentina requested support on Monday, and on Tuesday the World Bank authorized the use of 1.5 million dollars from the Essential Public Health Functions project to meet urgent preparedness needs as they enhance the national response," said Keith Hansen, World Bank regional sector manager for health programs.

"This project includes 20 million dollars for just such emergencies, and Argentina was already able to draw on it earlier this year to address the dengue crisis," Hansen said.