Johannesburg - South African health authorities on Thursday confirmed the country's first case of H1N1 virus, also known as swine flu, in a boy from the United States who travelled to the country earlier this month.

"The patient, a 12 year old from the United States of America flew into South Africa on Sunday, 14 June 2009, presented with flu-like symptoms and was admitted to a private hospital on Monday morning," the health department said in a statement.

"The patient fitted the criteria as a suspected case and was dealt with in accordance with the World Health Organisation and the Department of Health guidelines in this regard," the department said in a statement.

After a few days in isolation, he was discharged from hospital and was recovering well in isolation at home, the statement said. (dpa)