Chinese health authorities have detected no cases of swine flu among people arriving in the country by 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, according to the National Tourism Administration (NTA).

Members of both foreign and Chinese tourist groups coming from swine flu affected countries had been monitored, said a statement on the NTA website.

The NTA urged all tourist departments to take effective prevention measures and closely monitor tourists so as to avoid swine flu coming to China.

Travel agencies should keep track of their clients and their health conditions, the administration said.

The government would also strengthen cooperation with tourism authorities in Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, keeping the public informed of the outbreak and its effect on international travel.

The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) Wednesday ordered strict sanitization of flights from countries and regions affected by swine flu. Remains of food, waste and human excrement must be subject to special treatment.

China banned group visits to Mexico via travel agencies on Tuesday and advised Chinese citizens to suspend travel plans to the country where the swine flu infection was first reported.

Air travel between China and Mexico comprises two flights from Mexico City to Shanghai by Mexicana Airlines, one on Monday and the other on Friday. There is no domestic direct flight to Mexico.

More than 20 countries, such as the United Sates, Canada and Spain, have reported cases or suspected cases of swine flu.

The probable death toll from swine flu in Mexico rose to 159, the Mexican Health Ministry said late Tuesday.

(Xinhua News Agency April 30, 2009)