Brazzaville - The Republic of Congo confirmed its first cases of swine flu on Wednesday after health authorities said five school students had been diagnosed with the virus.

"The five students have been quarantined to prevent infecting the other children," Alexis Elira Dokekias, the country's director of public health, told reporters.

Congolese authorities say plans are in place to stop the spread of the A(H1N1) virus and a media campaign has been launched to inform the public on how to prevent contamination. - Sapa-AFP