Posted Wednesday, 4:15 p.m.

The National Emergency Commission (CNE) declared a yellow alert – its second of three levels – nationwide on Tuesday night after learning about the two possible cases of Influenza A (H1N1) in Costa Rica .

“This announcement will allow CNE the movement of personnel and resources to areas across the country and at borders where they are critically needed,” Health Vice Minister Dr. Ana Morice said during a press conference Wednesday morning at the Health Ministry.

The World Health Organization upped its influenza pandemic alert level from Phase 4 to 5 (http://www.who.int/en).

President Oscar Arias, during his weekly cabinet meeting, said Costa Rica is examining 50 suspected cases, a decrease from the 60 cases mentioned during an earlier conference at the Health Ministry.

At the cabinet meeting, Health Minister María Luisa Avila announced that $5 million is being dedicated to helping stave off further flu outbreaks.

Health officials are also asking passengers on Mexicana Airlines flight 387, which arrived Friday from Mexico , and TACA Airlines flight LR 631, which arrived from Mexico Saturday, to report to the nearest hospital or other health center after it was learned that the two persons with partially confirmed flu cases had traveled on these flights.

“We have contacted a great number of these passengers but not all of them,” Morice said.

Both persons affected by the so-called swine flu in Costa Rica – a 21-year-old woman and a 28-year-old man – are now stable and were instructed by health officials to isolate themselves by staying in their homes. Their test results await final confirmation from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Dr. Morice confirmed the Health Ministry has in its possession 35,000 doses of antiviral medication, which can be used as the need arises.

TT reporter Chrissie Long contributed to this story.