May 7, 2009

China faces a growing risk of AH1N1 flu spreading into its mainland although worldwide cases are declining, according to Vice Health Minister Zhang Mao.

Chinese experts believe the global epidemic situation is still worsening and China has to give continued high attention, Zhang said.

A Mexican was confirmed on Friday (May 1) in Hong Kong to be infected with AH1N1 flu, and those in close contact with him have been quarantined in 19 mainland provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions as well as Hong Kong and Macau.

In the past week, China has initiated a joint prevention and control mechanism, adopted strict quarantine of people, goods and vehicles entering its borders, stepped up epidemic monitoring and made active medical preparations for emergencies.

The measures are proven effective as no AH1N1 cases have been reported in China and those in close contact with the confirmed Hong Kong case are under effective control, Zhang said.

The slowed increase of new cases might be due to the active prevention measures taken by countries worldwide, Zhang said.

Countries have beefed up customs quarantine and other virus-containing efforts although no international travel warning has been issued.