She did not elaborate but assured the public not to panic as so far there has been no confirmed case of local people being infected with the virus.
The Ministry of Health will continue to screen arriving passengers to Samoa despite information from the World Health Organization that border screening is not effective to keep the swine flu virus out and worries that the screening may negatively impact the tourism industry.
The ministry said tourists and visitors are most welcome but new diseases they inadvertently bring with them are not.
The comments came after nine weeks where a total of 37, 000 passengers and crew have undergone screening at Faleolo International Airport and Matautu Wharf since April 27.
It also comes as the health and tourism industries struggle to balance their respective mandates for the protection of public health safety, and fostering a much needed income source for the country.
Palanitina pointed out that many of the Pacific islands and more developed countries are screening against swine flu.
