Mayor Ray Nagin of New Orleans of the United States is quarantined just to prevent the spread of A/H1N1 influenza, Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said at a regular news conference Tuesday.

Nagin, his wife Seletha and a security guard were quarantined after arriving in Shanghai Friday after a fellow passenger on his flight fell ill with a suspected case of A/H1N1 flu.

"We extend our cordial greetings to Mayor Nagin and his entourage and wish them safe and sound," Qin said, explaining they were close contacts of the sick passenger.

"They are now under proper medical observation at a hotel in Shanghai to ensure their health and prevent the virus from spreading," he said, adding the action was taken in line with relevant regulations of China.

He said the Chinese Foreign Ministry is in close contact with the local government to get the latest development of Nagin's situation.

Nagin is on a 10-day trip to China and Australia aimed at promoting business to his city.

(Xinhua News Agency June 9, 2009)