China faces a growing risk of the influenza A/H1N1 spreading into its mainland although the worldwide increase of new cases is in decline, Vice Health Minister Zhang Mao said Wednesday.

"Chinese medical experts believe the global epidemic situation is still worsening and China has to give continued high attention," Zhang told a video conference on the prevention and control of the disease.

A 25-year-old male Mexican was confirmed on Friday in Hong Kong to be infected with influenza A/H1N1, and those who were in close contact with him have been put under quarantine in 19 mainland provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions as well as Hong Kong and Macao.

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

"The measures are proved to be timely, forceful and effective, as no A/H1N1 cases have been reported on the mainland and those in close contact with the confirmed Hong Kong case are under effective control," he said.

Zhang said the slowed increase of new cases might be due to the active prevention measures most countries have taken. Although no international travel warning has been issued, countries have all beefed up customs quarantine and other virus containing efforts.

(Xinhua News Agency May 7, 2009)