An Austin Hospital spokesman said late yesterday the patient was in a critical condition.

Wimmera Health Care Group chief executive officer Chris Scott said the patient was not a permanent Horsham resident.

He said the patient attended Wimmera Base Hospital on Saturday for another medical condition but showed swine flu symptoms.

``The patient was flown out to Austin Hospital by fixed wing aircraft because of other medical conditions and on arrival was swabbed for the H1N1 virus because of their symptoms,'' Mr Scott said.

``The swab returned positive and the patient was confirmed as having H1N1 as a secondary illness to what they presented with.''

Mr Scott said the hospital had taken all precautions with anyone who had come into contact with the infected patient.

``We have subsequently contacted anyone who had contact with the patient and discussed treatment methods with them,'' he said.

``Their health is now being monitored as a precautionary measure.''

Mr Scott said there had been no other swine flu cases at Wimmera Health Care Group.

Rural Northwest Health and West Wimmera Health Service said they had received no news of patients testing positive for the virus.