Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Kong Quan says that foreign tourists needn't worry about the meningitis epidemic in some parts of China, their health will be protected.

Kong Quan says the Chinese government and health departments at all levels are strengthening prevention efforts against meningitis and measures have also been taken to prevent the disease from spreading to other countries.

He stresses that the health of the foreign tourists can be ensured.

Up to now, China has reported 258 cases of meningitis in 24 regions in the past month, and 16 people have died of the disease.

(CRI.com February 5, 2005)