Two people in a North Lanarkshire hospital are awaiting test results to determine whether their flu-like symptoms are the first signs of a contagious influenza.

The pair arrived in Scotland on Tuesday from Mexico, where 81 people have died from the swine flu. The so-called H1N1 virus has also left at least 20 people with flu-like symptoms in New York. Also, a Northamptonshire businessman who returned from Mexico has been told to stay in his home after reported feeling unwell.

Nicola Sturgeon, the Scottish Health Secretary, said the pair in hospital had not been in an area of Mexico affected by recent outbreaks of swine flu.

"The patients have displayed mild flu-like symptoms and their current condition is not causing concern," she said.

Ms Sturgeon said "19 or 20" people in Scotland who had come in contact with the two people now in hospital had been traced. She stressed that the pair were not very ill but were in isolation at Monklands Hospital in Airdrie.

The announcement came as the UK was on alert to look for unusual flu cases after a deadly outbreak. The World Health Organisation has issued a "pandemic alert".

Ms Sturgeon said: "The Scottish Government, in conjunction with other administrations in the UK, are closely monitoring the situation and assessing the implications, if any, of this situation for Scotland."

She said First Minister Alex Salmond convened a meeting of ministers and officials on Sunday and that she had spoken to UK Health Secretary Alan Johnson about the development.

Ms Sturgeon stressed there were no confirmed cases of swine flu in the UK.

"These two patients have displayed flu-like symptoms and in light of the current situation further tests of these patients are being carried out," she said.

Those who have been in contact with the pair - who are not being identified - are being contacted to offer health advice and "where appropriate" offered anti-viral drugs.

Asked how well prepared the authorities are for an outbreak, the health secretary added: "We have access to stocks of antiviral that would cover 50% of the population should we need them."

Dr Andrew Riley, Scottish Government senior medical officer, said people should take sensible precautions, such as washing their hands.

Anyone with concerns should contact the health advice service NHS 24.

RESOURCES

World Health Organisation: Swine flu facts

(April 26)

Britons planning to travel to Mexico were warned about the swine flu outbreak there.

The latest advice from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office stated: "Visitors to Mexico should be aware of an outbreak of influenza.

"The Federal Health Ministry issued a nationwide alert on April 22 after learning that a number of people had died from what appears to be a new form of influenza.

"Cases have been reported in Mexico City, together with the states of Oaxaca, San Luis Potosi, Mexicali and Baja California.

"Travellers should consult a doctor immediately if they show signs of flu-like symptoms."

Nicky Paull, president of the British Veterinary Association, said scientists would work together to study the virus. She noted that eating pork products did not pose a risk.