China has announced it is taking measures against the possible arrival of the West Nile virus from the United States.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), as of Aug. 26 the United States had reported 425 cases of the West Nile virus and 20 deaths. The virus has been recorded in 41 states and the District of Columbia.

The State Administration of Quality Supervision and Quarantine recently asked passengers arriving in China from the United States to tell entry-exit quarantine authorities if they have symptoms such as fever, headache, rashes or swollen lymph glands.

Security checks will intensify on all arrivals from the United States, including vehicles and containers.

Passengers traveling to the United States will be informed of the risk of the disease and advised to take precautions.

"West Nile virus is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito, and can infect people, horses, many types of birds, and some other animals. On rare occasions, the infection can lead to severe and sometimes fatal illnesses," the WHO website says.

China Guards Against Meningitis from Africa

China has announced it is taking measures against the possible arrival of epidemic meningitis from the three African countries of Burundi, Rwanda and Tanzania.

The State Administration of Quality Supervision and Quarantine has asked passengers arriving in China from the affected areas to report to the exit-entry quarantine authorities if they have symptoms such as fever, headache, nausea and vomiting.

Passengers traveling to these areas may get related information from the quarantine authorities. If necessary, they may be vaccinated or take medicine against the disease, a circular issued by the administration says.

According to a recent World Health Organization report, more than 530 people in the three African countries are suffering from the disease, and 61 others died of it.

(Edited from Xinhua News Agency, September 7, 2002)