A Chinese student studying overseas has ignited controversy by suggesting his peers in flu-infected countries delay trips back to China because of the H1N1 virus.

"I am simply being responsible to our motherland and to my family," Sheng Liyu, a Columbia University student, was quoted as saying by the Guangzhou Daily.

"We are in the flu-affected area," said Sheng, who delayed plans to travel to London and China. "Being more cautious is the right thing to do."

The two confirmed cases of H1N1 flu on the Chinese mainland are both overseas students who came home on vacation, raising worries that the return of more students will increase the risk of the virus spreading to the mainland.

Online debates have raged over whether it was right for a 19-year-old student surnamed Lu from a Canadian university to expose potential victims to the virus.

After his flight back to China, Lu spent three days in Beijing, including trips to the Great Wall and the Houhai bar area, and took a train from Beijing to Shandong province even after he developed a fever of 39 C.

"It's critical right now. We should suspend plans to go home," said Wang Yan of New York University.

But some say delaying trips home is an over-reaction.

After a tiring flight from Chicago to Shanghai, student Yu Jian spent another two hours at airport checkpoints.

Yu told the Guangzhou Daily the atmosphere in the US is very different from in China.

"In the US people don't think the H1N1 influenza is such a big deal. There is no need to be stressed out. But prevention measures are necessary."

Xue Lan, dean of the School of Public Policy and Management at Tsinghua University, said debating "patriotic actions and civic responsibilities" serves as a reminder to oversea students to raise their awareness about H1N1 so they can take precautions.

"The core of the controversy is how to achieve a balance between the public interest and individual freedom," Xue said.

Zeng Guang, the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention's top scientist, advised overseas students who plan to return home to reduce their contact with high-risk groups and promptly report any flu-like symptoms.

No new cases were reported on the mainland yesterday.

The two patients are recovering well and still under isolation at local hospitals.

Most passengers on flights NW029 and 3U8882 to China, which were also taken by the person with the first confirmed case of the flu, were under medical observation.

(China Daily May 15, 2009)