San Jose - Costa Rican authorities confirmed Tuesday the first case of swine flu in the country, which would also be the first in Central America. Costa Rican Health Minister Maria Luisa Avila said the life of the patient - a 21-year-old woman who lives in the San Jose metropolitan area - was not at risk. Doctors were following her progress and the health and that of her relatives, the minister said.

The woman was said to have returned from Mexico Saturday. The authorities were planning to evaluate all passengers aboard the commercial flight that brought her back to Costa Rica.(dpa)