SINGAPORE is sparing no effort to prevent the Influenza A (H1N1) virus from gate-crashing the inaugural Asian Youth Games.

About 1,400 athletes from 45 countries will be here for the June 29-July 7 Games.

Participants and officials have been sent an advisory on how Singapore is battling the virus and what to expect if they develop flu-like symptoms here. Athletes have also been advised to get vaccinations against the seasonal flu.

Upon arrival, all will get a health kit that includes a surgical mask, hand sanitiser and digital thermometer with which to track their temperature twice daily.

The Games organising committee, working with the Ministry of Health, disclosed yesterday that contingency plans are in place.

The ninth floor of the Swissotel The Stamford Hotel - which will house athletes and officials - has been turned into a medical centre and those who develop flu-like symptoms will be sent there.

If the result is positive, the athlete will be sent to the Communicable Disease Centre (CDC), and close contacts will be quarantined at the Aloha Loyang Resort.

Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports Vivian Balakrishnan said Singapore has a special responsibility to ensure that the athletes, aged 14 to 17, will be safe.

'We have the necessary systems and infrastructure in place, as well as a contingency plan, to ensure that an international multi-sport event like this can be conducted safely in Singapore,' said DrBalakrishnan, who toured the Swissotel medical centre yesterday.

The organisers have also not ruled out suspending or even cancelling the Games in the event of a large-scale flu outbreak.